THE REALITIES ABOUT POULTRY The Modern Farm - The Realities About Poultry_Seco | Page 33

(c) Battery cage system : This
his is usually used for laying birds, which are kept throughout their
productive life in cages. There is a high initial capital investment, and the system is mostly
confined to large-scale
scale commercial egg layer operations.
In the battery system each hen is confined to a cage just large enough to permit very limited
movement and allow her to stand and sit comfortably. The usual floor space is 14 X 16 inches and
the height, 17 inches. The floor is of standard strong galvanized wire set at a slope from back to the
front, so that the eggs as they are laid roll out of the cage to a receiving gutter. Underneath is a tray
for droppings. Both food and water receptacles
rece
are outside the cage.
Many small cages can be assembled together; if necessary it may be multistoried. The whole
structure should be of metal so that no parasites will
wi be harbored and thorough
rough disinfection can be
carried out as often as required.
Provided the batteries of cages are set up in the place which is well ventilated and lighted, is not too
hot and is vermin proof and that the food meets all nutritional needs,
need s, this system has proved to be
remarkably successful in [lie tropical countries. It may be that as it requires a minimum expenditure
of energy from the bird, which spends its entire item in the shade, it lessens
lessen s the load of excess body
heat. The performance
ce of each bird can be noted and culling easily carried out. Pullets, which are
more often used than birds of over one year, should be placed in the cages at least one month
before they are expected to lay.
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