Husbandry Systems in Laying Hens (Based on Appleby et al., 2004; Duncan, 2010)

• Laying hens are managed under different husbandry systems that influence their welfare, productivity, and health.
• Appleby and Duncan emphasize that housing systems should be evaluated in terms of animal welfare (behavioral freedom, health, comfort) as well as production efficiency.
• Major systems: Conventional cages, Furnished/Enriched cages, Non-cage indoor systems, and Free-range systems.

A. Conventional (Battery) Cages

• Small wire cages housing 3–10 hens with minimal space (≈ 300–550 cm² per bird).
• No provision for natural behaviors like perching, nesting, or dust bathing.

a. Welfare Issues:

• Severe restriction of movement and behavioral deprivation.
• High incidence of osteoporosis and bone breakage due to lack of exercise.
• Feather pecking and cannibalism reduced because of limited interaction.
• Egg collection and management are easy, but welfare is poor.

b. Assessment:

• High production efficiency but very poor welfare.
• Banned in EU since 2012.

B. Furnished / Enriched Cages

• Modified cages with added features like perches, nest boxes, scratching areas, and increased space (≈ 750 cm² per bird).
• Designed to meet behavioral needs while maintaining efficiency.

a. Welfare Benefits:

• Hens can perch, nest, and perform limited dust bathing.
• Better bone strength compared to conventional cages.
• Improved behavioral expression and comfort.

b. Remaining Concerns:

• Still limited space for full locomotion and wing-flapping.
• Feather pecking may occur if stocking density is high.

c. Assessment:

• Welfare improved compared to conventional cages but still not optimal.

C. Non-Cage Indoor Systems (Barn, Aviary, Deep Litter)

• Hens kept indoors with litter floors, perches, nest boxes, and sometimes multi-tiered aviary structures.
• Group sizes may be large (hundreds to thousands).

a. Welfare Benefits:

• Allow expression of natural behaviors: dust bathing, perching, nesting, foraging.
• Better bone strength due to exercise.
• Higher freedom compared to cages.

b. Challenges:

• Higher risks of feather pecking and cannibalism.
• Litter management critical to prevent ammonia buildup and footpad dermatitis.
• Egg collection more labor-intensive than cages.

c. Assessment:

• Welfare much better than cages but requires careful management.

D. Free-Range Systems

• Birds have indoor housing plus outdoor access.
• Outdoor areas usually provide grass or soil for foraging and dust bathing.

a. Welfare Benefits:

• Maximum behavioral freedom – natural activities like scratching, foraging, dust bathing, and exploration.
• Stronger bones due to exercise.
• Considered closest to “natural living.”

b. Challenges:

• Higher risks of predation, parasites, and weather stress.
• Aggression and feather pecking can still occur in large groups.
• Egg hygiene and disease control may be more difficult.

c. Assessment:

• Best system in terms of naturalness but requires strong biosecurity and good management.