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Summary
Caged hens prefer cages with ample vertical space. Hens frequently move their heads above 40 cm, exceeding current recommendations for cage height.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Ethology
- Avian Husbandry
Background:
- Current housing systems for laying hens often restrict vertical space.
- Understanding space requirements is crucial for improving animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vertical space preferences of caged laying hens.
- To assess the adequacy of current recommendations for vertical space allowance.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of caged hens' behavior.
- Filming hens in cages with unrestricted headroom.
- Quantifying head movements in relation to vertical space.
Main Results:
- Hens demonstrated a strong preference for cages offering greater vertical space.
- Nearly 25% of hens' head movements occurred above the 40 cm mark.
- The observed head movement exceeded the proposed CEC recommendation.
Conclusions:
- Current vertical space recommendations may be insufficient for caged hens.
- Increased vertical space allowance is likely to enhance hen welfare.
- Further research into optimal space allowances is warranted.