Battery cages are a type of housing system used primarily for egg-laying hens in intensive farming. They're designed for efficient egg collection but raise significant animal welfare concerns. Here's a breakdown of how they work:
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Construction: Battery cages are small, wire-mesh cages. According to a reference, battery cages are made completely out of wire on all six sides, which means that the hens are permanently standing on wire. (28-Sept-2018).
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Layout: Many cages are arranged in long rows or tiers, maximizing the number of hens that can be housed in a single building.
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Egg Collection: The floors of the cages are sloped. The floors slope downwards so the eggs that are laid can roll down to be collected (28-Sept-2018). This design facilitates the automated collection of eggs.
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Waste Removal: Waste typically falls through the wire mesh floors and is removed using automated systems, helping to maintain some level of hygiene (though conditions are still often unsanitary by humane standards).
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Feeding and Watering: Feed and water are usually provided via automated systems that run along the length of the cages. Hens can access these resources through openings in the cage.
In summary, battery cages are designed for maximum efficiency in egg production, focusing on high-density housing, automated egg collection, and streamlined feeding and waste removal, often at the expense of animal welfare.
