How to manage deep litter using battery cage system
Time : 2005-08-11

Basic information

Eggs are produced by laying hens also known as layers. Laying hens are specialised breeds of chicken that have been selected for their high rates of egg production and are different to the breeds reared for meat (broilers)

If you are willing to venture into this egg production business or have started raising chickens for egg production, you need to understand birds’ production capabilities

It is expedient to know how to gauge the number of eggs your hens can produce and be aware of the variables that affect egg production

It is necessary to identify which hens are laying and determine why your hens are not laying, by having a firm grasp of these factors, it will help you to ensure the success of your flock

Light is an important factor in stimulating hens to lay eggs. It is the main environmental cue that the hen receives, which in turn regulates hormone levels that affect egg laying. Both the duration of the light period and the intensity of the light are important, and farmers provide artificial lighting in specially developed cycles to optimise both frequency of production and the quality of eggs

How to manage deep litter using battery cage system


How eggs are produced

There are three different production systems in commonly use, battery cages, barns and free range. The conventional, unenriched cage (‘battery cage’) was developed in the 1950s for high intensity egg production by maximising egg production per unit area

The reduced welfare state of hens kept in conventional battery cages led to banning their use and they introduced new minimum welfare standards for caged hens. A new ‘enriched battery cage’ is now used in many countries, along with the other two common egg production systems

All the egg production systems globally are tightly regulated with respect to welfare standards. In enriched battery cage systems, hens spend their productive life indoors in large cages with other hens, where they have access to all the facilities required to meet their essential needs


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Production expectations and variables affection production

A hen can lay only one egg in a day and will have some days when it does not lay any egg at all. The reasons for this laying schedule relate to the hen reproductive system. A hen’s body begins forming an egg shortly after the previous egg is laid, and it takes 26 hours for an egg to form fully. Because a hen’s reproductive system is sensitive to light exposure, eventually the hen will lay too late in a day for its body to begin forming a new egg. The hen will then skip a day or more before laying again

Also, not all hens begin to lay the same day, nor do they continue laying for the same length of time. The hens might start into production quickly, peaks, and then slowly reduces the level of production. The length of time that a flock will produce eggs varies as well

Many home flocks produce eggs on and off for three to four years. Each year, the level of egg production is lower than the previous year. Also, egg size increases and shell quality decreases each year

Both the number of eggs you can get from a flock and the number of years a flock will produce eggs depend on several variables, including the following factors

1. Breed

2. Management of pullets prior to lay

3. Light management

4. Nutrition

5. Space allowances


Layers are raised in battery cages for the following reasons

1. The system helps you keep birds within a small space and allows very limited movement, this makes the chickens conserve their energy and hence enjoy an increase in production level

2. It provides comfort and stability for the birds

3. Feeds are less consumed and it avoids wastage

4. Records keeping of individual egg production and culling of poor layers are made easier

5. A farmer can easily do a stock count of the chickens

6. It is easier to care for pullets

7. It is much easier to evacuate the waste in the battery cage system.  Faeces drop through to the floor or metal trays which are cleaned regularly

8. It is easier to operate

9. Labour requirements are minimal

10. Eggs are collected with minimal disturbance to the hens


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Frequently asked questions

Q: Is battery cage good for layers?

A: This makes the chickens conserve their energy and hence enjoy an increase in production level. It provides comfort and stability for the birds

Q: Why are battery cages good?

A: Battery cage reduces labour by the poultry farmer

Q: What is battery egg production?

A: Battery hens are egg-laying hens that are kept in battery cages

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