[Laying hens in alternative housing systems--practical experiences]

Alternative keeping systems of laying hens in Germany at present are run as deep litter-, aviary- and free-range systems. After a short description of these housing types special requirements on management are considered. First solutions for the reduction of parasite and environmental burden in front of the hen-house are presented as well as opportunities to improve the utilization of that part of the outside run, which lay far from the pen. Although the management has improved a lot, the average mortality in alternative keeping systems of laying hens is still very high, probable reasons were discussed. Beside that the further development of furnished cages for groups of laying hens up to 40 and 60 individuals per unit is described; the first experiences from scientifically attended pilot projects are reported.