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About cages laying hens used

Types of cages laying hens used

The structure of egg production layer chicken cages is based on the laying needs of hens. Manufacturers of poultry equipment have different ideas on the ideal cage for layers. There are several types of laying hen cages, depending on the farm size and production system.

Battery Cages

Strong battery cages are widely used in commercial egg production. The cages are arranged in several tiers to increase the number of hens in a small space. They are called horizontal battery laying hen cages because they are meant to be placed side by side.

Although battery cages are small compared to other systems, they allow more hens to be kept per unit area. The efficiency of feed conversion and egg production increases with an increase in stocking density. Eggs are easy to collect since the floor is raised and the eggs fall through the openings.

Rese and Free Cages

Roost and free cages allow birds to move, eat, drink, and lay eggs freely. They are not restricted to the area where they are kept, unlike battery cages. These cages are intended for birds kept on a floor or in a house where the birds can move freely. ROOST 4-graded cage eggs are ideal for small farms.

Free-range farms provide hens with outdoor access. This improves the bird's welfare, enabling natural behaviors like pecking and foraging. The eggs laid in free-range systems are called free-range eggs. Diverse customers prefer these eggs since the birds are reported to have higher welfare.

Furnished Cages

Furnished cages combine some advantages of battery cages and free range, providing more space than conventional battery cages but less than free range. In furnished cages, enriched features such as nesting boxes, perches, and pecking objects are included. This encourages natural behaviors while still enabling higher production levels.

Flat Cages

Flat cages are preferred because they occupy less vertical space than battery cages. They are spacious and convenient to transfer and service. The horizontal design allows easy access to all areas of the cage for maintenance and hen management. This makes them popular in certain poultry farms.

Open Cages

Like battery cages, open cages allow easy access to all areas of the cage for maintenance and hen management. This makes them popular in certain poultry farms. Open cage systems have a slightly larger space than battery cages.

Durability and materials of cages laying hens used

The material and durability of laying hen cages are key factors for poultry farmers when choosing an appropriate cage for their farm. Considerations related to material and longevity affect production, maintenance costs, and animal welfare.

Corrosion-Resistant Wire

Apart from the difference in size, metal layers' cages usually have the same structure. Most poultry equipment suppliers manufacture wire with 2.5 mm thick and 2.2 mm wide bars to hold ostrich birds. It should be made from galvanized steel or stainless steel wire to prevent rust formation, which weakens the cage structure.

High-quality wire provides a safe and durable living environment for hens and reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Stainless steel wire offers enhanced durability and corrosion resistance for farms in humid areas or with high ammonia levels.

Galvanized steel generally provides a more affordable solution while still offering reasonable resistance to corrosion. Some versions may also include coated wire to provide additional protection and improve the wire's longevity.

Design of the Cage

The design of the layers' cage influences its durability and function crucially. Furnished and flat layer cages are among the durable designs. The quality and thickness of the materials used to construct the cage contribute to its lifespan. Quality materials ensure that the cage can withstand the wear and tear of keeping animals for a long time.

The cage design also determines the natural behavior and welfare of the hens. Manufacturers of poultry equipment with more open spaces and durable materials enhance the comfort of the hens, impacting egg quality and production. Moreover, well-designed cages reduce the maintenance required and increase their durability.

Automated Systems

Mobile automated systems are preferred for egg collection, feeding, and watering in improved layer cages. Collecting eggs by hand is tedious and time-consuming.

Mechanized operations improve productivity on large farms and reduce labor costs. Automated systems undercut labor costs by allowing fewer workers to collect eggs and manage feeds and water. This increases efficiency on large farms while greatly improving biosecurity.

How to Choose a Good Supplier of cages laying hens used

Welcome customers with an outstanding first impression. A good supplier is needed to make suitable laying hen cages that customers will love. Start searching now using the following tips.

Direct Online Research

Search online using keywords like laying cages on Alibaba.com. Browse through the search results, taking note of suppliers that deal in mass.

Meet Bulk Order Needs

Consider the suppliers who can meet bulk order needs. Suppliers with chickens in layered cages can fulfill customers' mass needs. Check their minimum order requirements to ensure they are capable.

Check Certification and Industry Standards

Choose a supplier with documents supporting them to produce cages following industry standards. Verify the quality of materials used and ensure it meets or exceeds customers' expectations. Ensure they practice safety standards that contribute to a safer workplace.

Evaluate Product Range

Commercial buyers prefer suppliers with the option to choose from various cages. Such a supplier increases business options.

Assess MOQ, Logistics, and Compensation

Check the suppliers' minimum order quantity and logistics policies. Ensure they can deliver to the required location and consider logistics expenses. Clarify issues relating to product returns and compensation.

Customer Reviews

Read customer reviews on Alibaba.com to get a sense of what other people think of the supplier. In particular, watch out for feedback on the quality of the products and customer service.

Q&A

Q1: What is a cage-free layer chicken?

A1: Cage-free layers are restricted from living in cages. Instead, they are kept on the floor in open barns where they can move around, lay eggs, eat, and drink. They are also provided with places to rest and lay eggs.

Q2: Are battery cages good for hens?

A2: The animal welfare group claims that battery cages harm animals because they limit their movement and exercise more than other cage systems do. Supporters say that battery cages ease farming because they allow farmers to oversee huge flocks using automated equipment, which cuts expenses.

Q3: Are battery cages better than free range?

A3: Battery cages are the most productive poultry farming methods. Even with the controversies that surround them, they are more productive than free-range and other poultry farming methods.

Q4: What are the problems with battery cages?

A4: People against battery cage farming say that the birds are too confined to move around, resulting in boredom and frustration. They also say the conditions do not allow hens to fulfill vital behaviors such as perching and nesting and that the eggs are laid in dirty conditions.

Q5: What is the difference between battery and enriched cages?

A5: Enriched cages were developed as an advancement over conventional battery cages. They are more spacious and have additional elements like nesting sites, perches, and foraging materials that let the hens exhibit normal behavior. This improves the hens' welfare while still enabling higher production compared to traditional battery cages.