Effects of Bird Density, Nutrient Density and Perches on the Performance of Caged White Leghorn Layers

Abstract

SEVERAL studies have compared cage size and bird density with 1 to 5 hens per cage (Lowe and Heywang, 1964; Wilson et al., 1964, 1967; Blount, 1965; Moore et al., 1965; Owings et al., 1967; Ruggles et al., 1967; Champion and Zindel, 1968; Shirley, 1969; Ostrander and Young, 1969). Bramhall et al. (1966) and Quisenberry (1968) summarized several studies and concluded that small cages with 2 to 5 hens per cage providing 350 to 465 square centimeters (sq. cm.) per hen are usually more suitable than larger cages providing similar space per bird. Most studies show that 1 hen per cage usually performs best, but beyond that the results vary. There is often a decline, either significant or non-significant, in egg production and an increase in mortality as the space per bird decreases. Wilson et al. (1964, 1967) found only part of the increase in mortality to be due to…