These researchers are on their way to start a full day of data collection for a laying hen behaviour and welfare trial. The research project is studying the effects of pecking blocks as edible enrichments for hens housed in enriched colonies. Pecking blocks were designed to encourage foraging behaviour and reduce injurious feather pecking. Outcomes being assessed include feather cover, body weight, keel bone damage, and beak length and shape.

Four researchers walking in single file from left to right down a gravel road carrying equipment for data collection. The sky is foggy, and a corn field is in the background.