Feather pecking in broilers is an abnormal behaviour in which birds peck, pull, or remove the feathers of flock mates. It is also associated with litter eating. It ranges from mild exploratory pecking to severe feather pecking that causes feather loss, skin trauma, bleeding, and may escalate into cannibalism. Although most commonly occures in laying hens and breeders, it is also observed in broilers, usually due to feed deficiency. It affects welfare, growth, feed efficiency, and carcass quality.