The behavior of young layers during the first two weeks in aviary and battery cages

Observations were collected from young layers housed in an aviary (437 birds) and in battery cages (8 out of 112 cages per day, 3 birds in each). Direct visual observations using scanning techniques were conducted for the first 2 wk, 2 h/day (1000 to 1200 h or 1300 to 1500 h on alternate days). In the aviary, a significant positive correlation was detected between the number of birds occupying the central part of the pen equipped with feeders and waterers, and number of birds engaged in eating and drinking (P less than .001). There were no significant differences between morning and afternoon in the numbers of birds located at each position of the aviary. However, comfort behaviors were more frequent in the afternoon. Feather pecking in the aviary was rare (less than .1%) and did not appear to be stereotypic. In the battery cages, feather pecking was more frequent (4.1%). Comfort behaviors in the cages were rare (.4%), and the range of activities was also limited. These results indicate that the aviary provides a more comfortable environment for the birds than cages, even when the cage housing density was lower than recommended for general commercial units.