A battery cage is a housing system used for various animal production methods, but primarily for egg-laying hens. The name arises from the arrangement of rows and columns of identical cages connected, in a unit, as in an artillery battery.
A typical battery cage is about 18 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 20 inches high. Each cage holds one hen and has a metal floor with a wire mesh insert. The wire mesh allows the manure to fall through to a collection tray below. The cages are stacked on top of each other in long rows.
Battery cages have been criticized for their negative impact on the welfare of hens. The small size of the cages restricts the hens’ movement and prevents them from engaging in natural behaviors such as dust bathing, perching, and nesting. The wire mesh floor can also cause sores on the hens’ feet.
In addition, the high stocking density in these cages can lead to stress and aggression among the hens. This can lead to feather picking and cannibalism.
Despite the criticisms, this type of cage remains the most common housing system for egg-laying hens in the world. This is because they are relatively inexpensive to build and operate. They also allow for efficient egg production and manure collection.
THE ADVANTAGE OF BATTERY CAGE
- Increased hygiene: The wire mesh floor allows the manure to fall through, which reduces the risk of manure-borne diseases.
- Small group size: The small group size reduces the incidence of social friction.
- Ease of management: The hens are easily accessible for feeding, watering, and egg collection.
- Increased egg production: Hens in this type of cage tend to lay more eggs than hens in other housing systems.
- Welfare concerns: The small size of the cages restricts the hens’ movement and prevents them from engaging in natural behaviors.
- Stress and aggression: The high stocking density in battery cages can lead to stress and aggression among the hens.
- Foot sores: The wire mesh floor can cause sores on the hens’ feet.
Overall, they are a controversial housing system for egg-laying hens. They have some advantages, but they also have significant disadvantages. The decision of whether or not to use battery cages is a complex one that should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Types of different capacities. We have different types or different capacities. we have 60 birds capacity, 96 birds capacity, and 120 birds capacity per Unit. The amount of birds determines the type of capacity you will use.
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