Forms of husbandry for laying hens

In the egg industry there are different forms of husbandry for laying hens. Most of these cause immense stress for the chickens. explains how hens in Cage husbandry, barn husbandry, free range husbandry and organic attitude life.

In the conventional ones laying batteries the laying hens were kept in tiny cages, in which a hen only had an area of ​​550 square centimeters available – less than a DIN A4 sheet of paper. Four to five hens lived in a cage. These cages are in double rows and up to eight tiers high. This attitude is Banned in Germany since 2010 and in the EU since 2012. Outside the EU, however, it is still permitted and common practice. Also from such countries (eg Ukraine) will be Cage eggs imported into the EU.

However, the so-called «decorated cages(so-called small group housing). Here has each chicken 750 square centimeters of space. In the cage there are «laying nests», «perches» and a «scratching area», which, however, do not deserve these names. They don’t even begin to meet the needs of the animals. In 2015, a corresponding amendment to the Animal Welfare Livestock Husbandry Ordinance was introduced in Germany for keeping small groups Phase-out period for existing operations until the end of 2025 committed.

An extension of the deadline by up to a maximum of three years (2028) should only be possible in cases of particular hardship. In the EU, a draft ban on cage farming has been announced for the end of 2023, which could come into force in 2027. But the current one is Small group housing in cages in many EU countries still common practice. In Germany, around 6% of laying hens were still kept in small groups in 2022. It is therefore all the more important, especially with processed products pay attention to the marking and to ask bakers or in the catering trade where the eggs in cakes or omelettes come from.

Therefore, pay attention to the first digit on the egg stamp: 3 stands for cage!

Most chickens in egg production today live in Free run. In barn systems, nine hens live per square meter – mostly in huge halls. If there are perches and laying nests on several floors (so-called aviary husbandry), there may even be 18 hens per square meter.

A herd is allowed out up to 6,000 hens consist. Several herds can be kept in one barn.

As in cage husbandry, the hens in barn husbandry also lack work because there are no green spout gives. Behaviors such as searching for food, scratching, scratching and pecking can only be exercised to a limited extent in such a posture. The regular bringing in of fresh bedding and similar activity materials is particularly important here.

Look for the egg stamp: 2 stands for floor keeping.

In the free range the hens have access to a run of at least four square meters per animal during the day. The conditions in the barn correspond to those in barn housing. Perches, laying nests and littered scratching areas are available. With this form of husbandry, the basic needs of the hens can be met much better than in a cage.

But problems can also arise in large free-range systems, for example overuse of the outdoor area near the barn and the green area. Parasites can accumulate in puddles and muddy areas, affecting the health of laying hens. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to regularly remove and replace the floor near the stables. There are various ways to keep it dry and hygienically clean, for example by piling up coarsely structured, water-permeable material.

It can also happen that the animals do not make full use of a poorly structured pasture run. Shelter options, shrubs and pastures near the stalls make it easier for the hens to go out, because they feel protected and can find shelter immediately if there is danger (e.g. from birds of prey). A regular change of pastures is also necessary to maintain the turf.

In free-range husbandry, attention must also be paid to the best possible protection against predators such as birds of prey, raccoons, foxes and martens.

Look for the egg stamp: 1 stands for free range.

In the organic farming every chicken has at least four square meters of exercise. A maximum of six animals per square meter may be kept in the barn. At least one third of the stable area is a littered scratching area, laying nests and perches are available. A flock may have a maximum of 3,000 hens. Prophylactic use of drugs is prohibited.

The biggest plus compared to all other forms of husbandry here is the organic farming method of the farms. This means, for example, that animal husbandry is area-bound: Only as many animals are kept as can be fed from the area. As a result, only as much manure is produced as the soil can absorb nutrients. The feed is produced without pesticides, chemical-synthetic fertilizers and genetic engineering.

Of all forms of husbandry, organic husbandry is certainly the most animal-friendly. However, the husbandry regulations are not always observed in practice. The sometimes high laying performance of the hens can also be a cause of animal suffering in organic farms, since feeding in organic areas is more strictly regulated and, for example, no artificial amino acids may be fed.

Look for the egg stamp: 0 stands for organic farming.

Problems such as feather pecking and cannibalism can occur in any form of laying hen husbandry. Ultimately, the know-how and vigilance of the farm manager and the management in the respective housing facility are also decisive.

From an animal welfare point of view, the biggest problem in the egg industry: Every form of husbandry of laying hens is preceded by the so-called “sexing”: All male chicks are sorted out and killed. Male day-old chicks will not lay eggs later and are therefore uneconomical for the industry.