Does pecking at inanimate stimuli predict cannibalistic behaviour in domestic fowl?

We assessed the pecking behaviour of caged White Leghorn hens towards feather-shaped stimuli varying in colour (red or blue), material (paper or feather) and movement (stationary or movable) attached to a board placed in the feed trough. Each of the eight stimulus combinations was presented to two replicate groups of 5 young hens for 15 min at 45 and 57 days of age. We predicted that the birds would be especially attracted to red movable feathers simulating a live bird with bloodstained feathers. Severe (forceful) pecks were directed more frequently at feather than paper stimuli ( P