Effects of spatial allowance, group size and perches on the behaviour of hens in cages with nests

https://doi.org/10.1016/0007-1935(92)90008-OGet rights and content

Abstract

The behaviour of laying hens housed in ‘welfare-improved’ cages fitted with one nest per hen was investigated with manipulations of group size (two or four birds), spatial allowance excluding the nests (600cm2 or 1200 cm2 per bird) and perch provision (presence or absence). More time was spent in the nests by birds housed at 600 cm2 than at 1200 cm2, and by birds housed in pairs than in fours. Perch provision had no significant effect on time spent in the nest but resulted in reduced nest soiling by birds housed at 1200cm2, and increased ‘comfort’ behaviour by some groups.

References (19)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (6)

  • Aerial dust concentration in cage-housed, floor-housed, and aviary facilities for laying hens

    2013, Poultry Science
    Citation Excerpt :

    Animal activity is known to have an impact on ambient dust level: bird movements create turbulence around them, causing an increase in dust concentration as demonstrated by Calvet et al. (2009) in broilers. Reed and Nicol (1992) have shown that even with constant density, adding furnishings such as perches inside cages promotes birds’ movement such as wing flapping and feather cleaning. In addition to the effect of furnishing cages on bird activity, the increasing of cage size at a constant density also enhances hen movements such as perching (Guinebretière et al., 2011).

Current address: Department of Meat Animal Science, Churchill Building, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DY, U.K.

View full text