The preference of domestic hens for different types of battery cage floor

Abstract

Synopsis Hens were presented with four different types of floor in two‐choice situations; they were generally indifferent to the nature of the floor but showed a significant preference for fine hexagonal mesh over coarse rectangular mesh and over perforated steel sheet. Oviposition preferences mirrored standing preferences. Gauge of wire seemed to have little influence; we suggest that an important factor is the number of points at which the bird's foot is supported. The hens preferred the hexagonal mesh in spite of its gauge being so fine that wires parted during the experiment, resulting in potentially damaging holes. The findings indicated that welfare considerations are not necessarily incompatible with cage floor designs which minimise egg breakage; a very light floor may be as comfortable as a heavy, solid one.