Applying music in poultry farming, especially for laying hens or “layers,” has been gaining attention as an innovative technique with multiple benefits. This simple yet effective practice taps into the behavioural and psychological responses of poultry to sound. While it may sound unconventional, numerous studies and practical experiences have shown that music can have a calming effect on chickens, reducing stress and promoting a better overall environment. When hens are exposed to music, they tend to be less anxious, which can significantly impact their health, productivity, and egg quality.
First of all, music has a calming impact that lowers stress levels. Due to their innate sensitivity to hearing, hens may become startled by sudden or loud noises, which can cause a stress reaction that impairs their physical well-being and productivity. Layers under stress are known to produce fewer eggs and to have weakened immune systems, which leaves them more vulnerable to illness. Farmers can establish a stable acoustic environment and block out unexpected outside stimuli, like barking dogs or mechanical sounds, by playing soft, rhythmic music at regular intervals. The chickens become less sensitive to other noises in their environment as a result of their frequent exposure to music. Hens that experience less stress are healthier, which leads to more output and fewer health problems.
Furthermore, music can positively affect egg production. Calmer hens are more likely to focus on laying eggs rather than expending energy on stress responses. Research has indicated that certain types of music can stimulate egg-laying, possibly because of the calming influence or the synchronization of rhythmic sounds with their natural biorhythms. Classical or soft instrumental music, for example, is often found to be effective in enhancing laying rates. Since egg production is closely linked to the overall well-being of the hens, providing them with an environment that keeps stress at bay and promotes relaxation can lead to a notable increase in output. Additionally, reduced stress and anxiety contribute to better nutrient absorption and metabolism, which are crucial for producing high-quality eggs.
Another advantage of playing music in poultry farming is that it creates a predictable routine, which adds stability to the layers’ environment. Chickens thrive in a structured setting where they know what to expect. For example, if music is played during feeding times or egg collection, it can act as a signal for the birds, helping them anticipate and prepare for these activities. This familiarity brings a sense of security, which is vital for maintaining their mental well-being. Layers kept in a predictable environment tend to experience fewer behavioral issues, such as feather pecking or aggression, which are often symptoms of stress and boredom. Consequently, music can also contribute to a more harmonious flock, where layers coexist peacefully without the behavioral problems that sometimes arise in crowded settings.
Furthermore, research has shown that music in chicken raising improves egg quality. Stress-free layers prefer to lay eggs with stronger shells and higher nutritional content. High cortisol levels, a stress hormone, can impair calcium absorption in chickens, resulting in weaker eggshells. When music lessens the stress reaction, layers can maintain higher calcium levels, resulting in stronger eggs that are less likely to break during handling and shipping. In commercial situations, where egg quality is critical, music can play an unexpected role in guaranteeing consistent quality across the manufacturing process.
Lastly, music benefits not only the hens but also the workers on poultry farms. Farms can be stressful workplaces, and a calm flock is easier to manage than an anxious one. Employees find it more enjoyable to work in a peaceful environment, where hens are calm and less reactive. This harmonious atmosphere can improve worker morale and productivity, indirectly benefiting the entire farming operation.
Applying music in layers within poultry farming offers several advantages. By reducing stress and promoting calmness, music contributes to better health, higher egg production, improved egg quality, and a more peaceful flock dynamic. As a low-cost, non-invasive intervention, music provides an excellent way to enhance poultry welfare and farm productivity. With more farmers adopting this practice, the benefits of music are likely to be more widely recognized in modern poultry farming.
