All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(3666 products available)
In commercial poultry farming, the predominant practice for housing and raising chickens is the use of large-scale chicken cages. Often used for layer hens under a 1000 chicken cage system, these cages are designed mostly to maximize the production of eggs and meat by promoting high-density and organized production. With this system, the feeding, watering, environment, and health of chickens are all automated and so farming is efficient and requires fewer labor inputs.
However, because of the recent trend in consumer preferences and welfare issues pertaining to poultry farming, there is a growing concern on the ethical treatment of chickens in a caged environment. There is already a movement across many countries that bans or phases out battery cage systems which are known for their small size and extreme confinement of birds. Many poultry farms are installing new, space-efficient furnished cages or non-cage systems.
Chicken cages or battery battery cages are classified into various kinds, including:
Battery cages
This is a small-enclosed space where chickens can only sit, eat, and drink but are unable to move around freely. It is the predominant layer chicken farming system due to its operation efficiency but has attracted criticism due to restricted birds' movement.
Furnished or enriched cages
This cage has some furnishings such as nesting boxes, perches, and drinking and feeding systems, allowing the birds to have some space to move around but not entirely free of the cage system.
Medium-sized cages
This cage is a hybrid version of battery and furnished cages; it's larger than a battery cage but smaller than an enriched cage. The number of hens in this cage is roughly 50% higher than that of enriched cages. The average peak egg production decline in medium-sized cages is 50% when confined to 3 hens. In the same scenario, production is likely to fall by 25% within 1 year when confined to 7 hens.
Row cages or horizontal cages
This cage is designed to allow limited movement vertically to the hens. It is long and narrow; hence many chickens can be kept in a single unit space. It provides slightly more freedom than battery cages but not enough compared to the enriched or furnished cages.
Vertical cages or tiered cages
These cages are designed in such a way that allows movement to the hens in a vertical direction. It is long and narrow; hence, many chickens can be kept in a single unit space. It provides slightly more freedom than battery cages.
Non-cage systems
This refers to floor-based systems where chickens are raised without being confined to cages. It includes deep litter systems, free range, organic, and pasture-based systems that allow the birds more space and freedom while promoting their natural behavior. There are three models for non-caged systems: the deep litter system, which enables several birds to perch on one area of the ground and deposit litter on the ground, the free range system, where birds are permitted to roam the outside most of the day, and the organic system, which is the same as the free range system only that the outside area has to be strictly fenced and the birds are subjected to organic feed.
Paster systems
These are systems in which birds are provided with short-lived herbage to graze and some portable infrastructure.
The optimum space requirement for layer hens in battery cages is 4.5-7.5 square feet (0.4-0.7 square meters) depending on the farming system). These cages are designed to maximize egg production and simplify the collection of eggs.
The ideal space requirement for broiler chickens in battery cages is 1.5-3.0 square feet (0.14-0.28 square meters) depending on the farming system). The cage system is developed to improve meat production efficiency and make feeding, watering, and health monitoring easier.
The biosecurity risk pattern of layer hens in battery cages is classified as high risk. This is due to the long duration of confinement and limited space for movement.
The biosecurity risk pattern of layer hens in furnished cages is classified as medium risk. This is because the hens have some space to lay and nest, but they are still enclosed.
The technical specifications associated with 1000 chicken cages are mainly influenced by design and farming objectives.
The key features of space are as follows: In battery cages, the space is 4.5-7.5 square feet (0.4-0.7 square meters); in furnished cages, it is less than 3 square feet (0.3 square meters); in medium-sized cages, it is approximately 1.5-3.0 square feet (0.14-0.28 square meters); in row cages, the space is similar to that of battery cages but allows some horizontal movement; in vertical cages, the space allows some vertical movement in a confined space; and in non-caged systems, the space ranges from 1.5-10 square feet (0.14-0.93 square meters).
Cage materials/key features: The reason why galvanized steel is used is that it is highly resistant to rusting and corrosion. Stainless steel is used where strength and longevity are needed. It won't ever rust or corrode. Mild steel provides strength and rigidity but has to be frequently painted or coated to prevent rusting. In the case of iron wire, it is used for making mesh grids for cages. Iron wire has to be coated with galvanized zinc wire to prevent rusting.
Key features/Key benefits of dimensions: For battery cages, dimensions are 1.5-3 feet long, 1.5-2 feet wide, and 0.5-1 feet high; for furnished cages, dimensions are 1.5-3 feet long, 1-2 feet wide, and 0.5-1 feet high; for medium-sized cages, dimensions are 1.5-3 feet long, 1-2 feet wide, and 0.5-1 feet high; for horizontal cages, width can be up to 3 feet to allow more space for more hens and can be 1.5-3 feet in length and 0.5-1 feet in height; for vertical cages, about 3-4 feet in height, 1.5-3 feet in length, and 1-2 feet in width; for non-caged systems, dimensions vary depending on the type of system, with constraints on space with a minimum of 1.5 and a maximum of 10 feet.
Key feature/Key benefits of feeding and watering systems: Automated feeding systems use augers or conveyors to deliver feed to each cage. Automated watering systems use nipples or troughs to supply water, minimizing waste.
The key features and key benefits of good ventilation and waste management are as follows: Ventilation is achieved using exhaust fans, air inlets, or ventilation. Waste is collected using automatic systems such as belts or scrapers, and both solid and liquid manures are managed.
Additional features: Auto egg collection uses egg belts or conveyors to transfer eggs to a central collection point. Manual collection involves farmers using buckets or carts to gather eggs by hand, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Additional features: Natural lighting is allowed through openings in the building. Artificial lighting uses bulbs to supply light and can be adjusted according to production needs. It is mainly applied for improving egg production in layers.
Additional features: Maintenance access refers to components that can easily be accessed for repair/servicing. Maintenance requires minimum downtime and labor input, thus ensuring the system's efficient operation.
The following are some of the key considerations when purchasing 1,000 chicken cages:
The welfare of the hens is the most important aspect to ensure good production from the flock. The cages should be suitable for the hens and enable them to exhibit close to their natural behavior. Cages that are suitable for hens and enable them to exhibit close to their natural behavior should be chosen.
Buyers need to know what their poultry farming goals are. Are they intending to get more eggs or meat? What is the production capacity? Are they large scale or small scale? The answers to those questions will help determine the farming system.
Buyers have to consider what budget plan they have and other costs that will be incurred. This includes installation, operating, maintenance, and possible future conversion or expansion costs. One option is to invest in a more modern and automated cage system that will save on labor in the long run. However, the initial capital outlay can be high. Choosing a medium-sized space that is not too big or small will probably be cheaper but will result in lower production when confinement is high.
Local laws and regulations on poultry farming and consumer preferences should be put into account. Buyers should be aware of any existing or future cage limitations of their country or state and product requirements in the market. The cages being marketed nowadays are more welfare-friendly, such as furnished or non-caged systems, which might eventually become mandatory.
Any technical-related issue must be looked into, such as space availability, power supply, ventilation, and biosecurity. Buyers should evaluate whether the existing structures can accommodate the new cages or if there will be a need to make construction changes.
It's important to choose a reputable supplier with quality products. Buyers must ensure the supplier specializes in commercial poultry equipment, offers good quality cages supported by customer feedback, provides warranties, and has after-sales support.
A. The ideal space for layer hens in battery cages should be 4.5-7.5 square feet (0.4-0.7 square meters) depending on the farming system.
A. The materials used to make chicken cages include galvanized steel, stainless steel, mild steel, iron wire, and aluminum.
A. The benefits of automated feeding and watering systems in chicken cages are that they ensure all birds have equal access to food and water.
A. The advantages of using vertically designed chicken cages are that they require less horizontal space and thus can accommodate more birds in a single unit space.
A. Some features that can be incorporated into a 1000 chicken cage to support easy maintenance are nutritional and easy-to-maintain materials and components, being placed at a great distance from each other so that inspection and repair can be done quickly; introducing a modular system to allow replacement of parts with minimal fuss; and establishing systems for self-cleaning.
