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and cannibalism can be a
problem. However, they
don’t have as many broken
bones as cage-free, hygiene
is better and disease is
limited in these systems.
Cage-free housing does
not have behavior or space
restrictions, but broken
bones (Widowski cited keel
and wishbones breakage
problems in UK cage-free
systems), feather pecking,
cannibalism, hygiene and
disease can be problems.
Furnished colonies don’t have problems with space or
behavior restriction; have hygiene and health advantages
over pens and free range; perches improve bone strength
over cages; and feather pecking and cannibalism are
improved as well.
“Enriched colonies seem to have fewer problems for
welfare than do traditional cages or cage-free,” Widowski
said.
There are three challenges for the future for enriched
colony enclosures, according to Widowski:
✸ Determine the optimal group sizes for the enclosures.
✸ Accommodate dust bathing and foraging behaviors in a
manner which is practical and does not negatively a;ect
hygiene.
✸ Determine whether or not consumers and retailers will
accept that enriched colonies provide a “good quality
life” for hens. □
www.WATTAgNet.
Systems
Various
systems/containers
for big processing
plants/farms,
both for chickens
and turkeys.
Info available on
automated loading,
conveying,
washing,
restacking system
Then day-old
chick boxes,
live quail crates,
trays, etc.
