Effects of Cage Design and Bird Density on Layers

Experiment 1 compared the effects of cage shape, feeder space, and bird density on performance, nervousness, and feathering of two commercial Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) strains. Strain 1 bird s and those housed 3 per cage produced more eggs with fewer body checks and cracks, tended to be less nervous, and had better feather cover than strain 2 birds and those housed 4 per cage (P<.05). Experiment 2 compared the effects of cage shape, feeder space, cage barrier, and bird density on performance of a commercial SCWL strain. Hens in cages with 3 birds laid at 5.4% higher rate (HH) and produced 2.8% fewer undergrade eggs than hens housed 4 per cage (P<.05).