Effect of perches and solid sides on production, plumage and foot condition of laying hens housed in conventional cages in a naturally ventilated shed

Abstract

The effect of modified cages on production, shell quality, feather cover and foot condition was measured in 2 Australian commercial laying strains housed in a naturally ventilated laying shed from 18 to82 weeks of age. Two cage modifications were investigated. Firstly , the inclusion of a perch within the cage, and secondly, the installation of solid sides. Compared with normal cages, installation of a perch in a cage reduced food intake (5.3%) and liveweight (4.5% at 82 weeks) and improved feather cover around the vent (feather score of 2.15 to 2.66). This was offset by a decrease in egg production (2.4%), shell weight (1.5%) and thickness (11%), an increase in cracked (53.8%) and dirty eggs (28.9%), and an increase in claw length (9.2%). Relative to control cages, the provision of solid sides in cages improved overall feather cover of hens (feather score of 2.46 to 2.67), but there was a 54.5% increase in hen mortality during a period of hot weather. Additional modifications to the cage are required to optimise the benefit of perches. Similarly, improvement in ventilation and cooling in naturally ventilated sheds are required to maximise the benefits of solid-sided cages for hens and avoid heat stress.