Cage rearing - Layers
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Based on the number of birds in a cage , it is classified as
- Single or individual bird cage (Only one bird in a cage)
- Multiple bird cage (From 2 to 10 birds, usually 3 or 4 birds per cage)
- Colony cages (Holding birds more than 11 per cage)
Based on the number of rows
- Single-deck
- Double-deck
- Triple-deck
- Four-deck
- Flat-deck
Based on arrangement of cages
- Stair-step cages
- M-type cages
- L-type cages
- Battery cages (Vertical cages)
- Layer birds are reared mostly in cages. Cages of various sizes are to house 3-5 birds in a cage. Currently, reverse cages are used with their longer side being fitted to remain in the front. The cages of following sizes may be made and fitted in rows
45 x 30 cm - for 3 birds
45 x 40 cm - for 4 birds
50 x 35 cm - for 4 birds
55 x 45 cm - for 5 birds
60 x 37.5 cm - for 5 birds
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These cages are arranged in two or three such rows one above the other on either side. They are termed as Californian cages.
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Depending on the number of rows, and number of tiers in each row, the breadth of caged layer house ranges from 24-26 feet (7 to 8 metres)
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There is no stipulation for length of such houses, which can be adjusted as per the number of birds to be housed
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No side walls are required for cage houses with the mesh being stretched down to the floor level to facilitate better ventilation for drying up the moisture in the droppings
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Conventionally, the bottom of the lower most cage was fitted at 75cm height from the floor
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Now a days, they are fitted at 120-240 cm height above the floor level with walking platforms constructed on the sides
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The layer cage will be of 40 cm height. The floor is fitted with 2.5 x 5.0 cm size weld mesh of 14 gauge thickness. On sides, 7.5 x 7.5 cm size mesh of 16 gauge thickness is fitted
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The bottom floor is provided with 1/6 slope downwards to the front to facilitate rolling of the eggs to the cage front. The mesh rails on cage floor should run from back to front and not sideways; otherwise they will block free run of the eggs downwards to the front
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Waterers are fitted above the feeders in the front
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Automatic waterer nipples/ buttons and feeders may be provided to the cages
Elevated cage houses
- Of late, ‘elevated cage houses’ are preferred in which cages are fitted at above 5-6’ height platform
- This arrangement widens the gap between birds and their droppings, facilitates quicker drying and easy removal of droppings
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Last modified: Wednesday, 11 April 2012, 6:59 AM
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