There are very serious problems for hens in battery cages which result in poor welfare. In order to solve these, the basic needs of hens, including those to show certain behaviours must be met. This is not possible unless the space... more
There are very serious problems for hens in battery cages which result in poor welfare. In order to solve these, the basic needs of hens, including those to show certain behaviours must be met. This is not possible unless the space available and design allows the provision of: a nesting place, a perch, possibilities for dust-bathing and investigatory pecking, and room for walking and wing-flapping. No small cage can provide this. Design of hen accommodation and genetic selection of birds should be such that injurious pecking is minimised. Broiler chickens must be genetically selected for stronger legs and slower growth. Stocking density must be limited and methods of enriching the environment in adequately illuminated conditions should be used.
