Effects of Cage Design and Bird Density on Layers

Two experiments, one with a commercial strain and one with an experimental strain of Single Comb White Leghorns, compared the effects of cage shape, feeder space, cage barrier, bird density, level of feeding, and period observed on feeding behavior and bird movement. In Experiment 1, only period observed significantly affected time spent feeding; the commercial strain of hens generally ate more in the p.m. (1700 to 1900 hr) than in the a.m. (0700 to 0900 hr). A significant (P<.05) feeder-space × period observed interaction indicated that increased feeder space is important in reducing feeder competition during peak feeding times. Only feed consumption of the experimental strain was significantly (P<.05) affected by bird density; hens housed 2 birds per cage ate 10.5 g per hen per day more than those housed 3 per cage (Experiment 2). Birds spent 38. 4 sec more eating during 0600 to 0700 hr than 1700 to 1800 hr (P<.05). Maximum number of birds feeding simultaneously was significantly (P<.05) affected by feeder space, bird density, and level of feeding. Hens with 45.7 cm of feeder space per cage, housed 3 per cage and receiving 90% of full feed had more simultaneous feeding than hens with 25.4 cm of feeder space, housed 2 per cage and on full feed. Hens in deep cages had significantly (P<.05) more quadrant-to-quadrant moves than hens in shallow cages.