Question 1

Are conventional battery cages allowed in my country?

Accepted Answer

Conventional battery cages are banned in the EU (since 2012, Directive 1999/74/EC), UK (equivalent ban retained post-Brexit), Canada (phase-out to 2036), and some US states (California, Massachusetts). They remain legal in most of Africa, Asia (including China, India, and most Southeast Asian countries), the Middle East, and Latin America (with some country-level exceptions). Always confirm current national veterinary/agriculture ministry regulations before procuring a cage system for a specific market.

Question 2

What is the minimum space per hen in an enriched colony cage?

Accepted Answer

EU Directive 1999/74/EC requires: minimum 750 cm² per bird (including 600 cm² usable space); a nest box; litter area of at least 250 cm² per bird; perch of at least 15 cm per bird; and sufficient feeders and drinkers. Total usable space per bird in an enriched cage colony is significantly more than a conventional battery cage. For markets outside the EU, minimum space requirements vary — many African and Asian markets do not specify a minimum, but 450–550 cm² per bird is common practice for conventional battery cage operations.

Question 3

What is the difference between A-frame and H-frame (flat deck) layer cage systems?

Accepted Answer

A-frame (also called V-type or stepped cage): Tiers are staggered in a step pattern, with each tier offset from the one below. Manure drops directly to the floor or a collection pan. Less expensive, easier to install manually, lower capital cost. Requires more manual manure removal. H-frame (also called flat-deck or stacked cage): Tiers are stacked directly above each other, with horizontal manure belts between each tier. Manure is automatically conveyed to the end of the house. Higher capital cost, but substantially better biosecurity, easier management, and higher stocking density per floor area. H-frame with manure belts is the preferred system for large-scale (50,000+ bird) commercial operations.

Question 4

How do I calculate the number of cages for my target flock size?

Accepted Answer

Divide total flock size by the number of birds per cage. Example: for a 20,000-bird layer farm using a 4-bird conventional battery cage (550 cm² each = 2,200 cm² total, floor dimensions approximately 40 cm × 55 cm): 20,000 ÷ 4 = 5,000 individual cages. These are typically grouped in tiers — a 4-tier system would require 1,250 cage units × 4 tiers. For a 3-bird enriched cage at 750 cm²/bird: 20,000 ÷ 3 = 6,667 cage units. When specifying from a supplier, provide total flock size, birds per cage, number of tiers, and house dimensions — the supplier's engineering team will design the layout.

Poultry Cage Suppliers

Poultry cages — systems, specifications, welfare regulations, and wholesale procurement

Frequently asked questions

Are conventional battery cages allowed in my country?

What is the minimum space per hen in an enriched colony cage?

What is the difference between A-frame and H-frame (flat deck) layer cage systems?

How do I calculate the number of cages for my target flock size?

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