Battery Hens Campaign: Background Information

What are Battery Cages?

Battery cages are designed to house small groups of hens, usually up to ten birds. In Europe, five birds to a cage is most usual, whereas in the USA the number tends to be higher. The rows of cages are often arranged in tiers: three or four tiers is common, and some modern systems have six, seven or even eight tiers, with 'catwalks' from which to view the birds in the upper tiers. The cages have wire mesh floors, through which the faeces pass either onto a moving conveyor or directly into a waste pit below. The cage floor slopes towards the front to aid egg removal, which is often mechanised using a conveyor belt system.

Feed troughs and drinkers are provided in rows, for each tier of cages. Provision of feed and drink is generally also automated (with food from a moving chain or belt). Prophylactic medication is added to food and/or drink.

Minimum space allowances for laying hens vary in different countries, but within the European Union the minimum space allowance is currently 450 square centimetres for each bird - about the size of an A4 sheet of paper - although some EU countries have chosen to set national minimum space allowances higher than the EU minimum (as is permitted) - see 'legislation' for further information. Some countries have even smaller space allowances - as little as 300 square centimetres per bird! The cages are housed in windowless sheds, with environmental control (often with computerised controls), including fan controlled ventilation systems. There is artificial lighting, which can be used to influence laying behaviour.

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