Perch length in cages for medium hybrid laying hens

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Animal Welfare

Background:

• Conventional laying cages present welfare challenges for hens.
• Perching behavior is a natural behavior that can be impacted by cage design.
• Space allowance in cages may influence hen behavior and production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different cage widths and perch lengths on the behavior and production of ISA Brown laying hens.
• To determine the adequacy of perch space per hen in modified laying cages.
• To assess the influence of cage dimensions on feather damage, claw problems, and hen calmness.

Main Methods:

• ISA Brown hens (18-72 weeks) were housed in 24 cages with varying widths (480-600 mm) and perch lengths.
• Four treatment groups with 6 cages each were established.
• Perching behavior, feather damage, claw problems, hen calmness, and production traits were monitored.

Main Results:

• Night-time perching increased significantly with wider cages (560-600 mm) compared to narrower ones (480-520 mm).
• Wider cages showed slightly less feather damage and more claw problems, with calmer birds.
• A trend for lower production was observed in the narrowest cages (480 mm), possibly due to reduced feeding space.

Conclusions:

• 140 mm of perch space per hen is adequate for medium-weight hybrids in laying cages.
• Wider cages and adequate perch space can improve hen welfare by increasing perching and calmness.
• Perch provision should be combined with other cage modifications to fully address welfare issues in conventional cages.