Based on behaviour, physiology, development and genetics, the new findings and future research studies on feather pecking in laying hens were outlined in the this article. Four topics were covered, first being the relationship between gentle and severe feather pecking. The occurrence of gentle feather pecking at a young age was not a good predictor as to whether or not the hens would feather peck later on in life. Researchers than compared the response to restraint of hens that were highly prone to feather peck with those that were not likely to feather peck. Birds that were more likely to feather peck tended to be proactive to restraint, which means they develop rigid routine and are motivated by internal mechanisms. While hens that were not prove to feather peck tended be reactive to restraint, which means that these hens have a more flexible behavioural repertoire and respond more to external stimuli. This research may lead to identifying hens that are more likely to feather peck. Researchers than examined the underlying cause of feather pecking, and found that it could be how the hens redirect the motivation to ground peck (either because of the inability to dustbathe or forage). However, feather pecking in young hens could also be a form of social exploration. Feather pecking is known to be a trait that can be passed onto the offspring. By combining the efforts from various research disciplines, may by the most practical way to prevent feather pecking in the future.