Applied ethology of laying hens.

This chapter explores the reasons behind the current diversity in commercial hen housing systems before considering the challenges to hen welfare that arise from the inadvertent consequences of continued selection for high egg production, the behavioural constraints imposed by colony cages and the difficulties of managing non-cage systems to avoid problems of feather pecking, smothering, poor health and high mortality. The features, designs, advantages and benefits of various chicken housing systems (cage systems vs. non-cage systems), along with its implication on the behaviour, health and welfare of laying hens are highlighted.