Features of cage keeping of chickens at home, size and density

Keeping chickens in specially equipped cages is a suitable option for farms with large livestock. You can build cages for laying hens yourself or purchase and install ready-made structures. When adhering to cage keeping of chickens, you will need to take into account a number of rules to ensure a comfortable existence for the birds.

Features of chicken cages

In order to properly organize the keeping of birds, you need to study the features of their life activity. One of the main characteristics of domestic chickens is the need for free range. The egg production rate directly depends on the physical activity and duration of the birds’ stay in the open air. A courtyard should be built next to the chicken coop and birds should be released into it periodically.

In caged conditions, chickens will not be able to fully reproduce. Since due to their aggressive nature it is not recommended to limit the freedom of roosters by placing them with females, it is worth releasing them into the courtyard area at the same time as laying hens.

When choosing the method of keeping birds under consideration, you must also take care of providing basic needs, including ambient temperature, lighting mode and air ventilation. When creating conditions, you need to take into account the age of the chickens, since young animals and adults have their own requirements for proper development.

Advantages and disadvantages

The proliferation of cellular content is due to a large number of positive aspects. The list of main advantages includes the following:

1. Possibility of raising chickens in a small area or in the same room with cattle.
2. Ease of daily care, feeding, waste removal and egg collection.
3. Convenient monitoring of the condition of birds, inspection and rejection of unsuitable individuals due to the fact that the chickens are constantly in the field of view.
4. Protection from interaction with wild birds that carry dangerous infectious diseases.
5. Feed savings achieved through external fixation of the feeder, which eliminates food scattering.
6. Separating chicks and adult chickens into different places.
7. Convenience of collecting eggs from special trays, which minimizes the likelihood of pecking and crushing.

In addition to a number of advantages, several negative characteristics can be identified. In particular:

1. The limited space will restrict the movement of the chickens. Inactivity and rare walks in the open air negatively affect productivity.
2. To provide all the amenities for the birds, you will need to install automatic feeders and drinkers, as well as maintain a certain temperature. This will increase labor and material costs.
3. Certain breeds of chicken are not genetically suited to being kept in confined spaces.
4. A short stay in the open sun reduces resistance to disease, which is why the condition of some laying hens is depressed.

How to choose the right cage?

When choosing a cage, you need to take into account that laying hens are characterized by low mobility and relatively small sizes. The most suitable material for making the structure is metal mesh. The dimensions of the mesh must be selected in such a way that birds cannot fall out of the cage. The floor inside the cage should be at an angle of 7-9 degrees. The optimal space between the floor and the waste collection container is at least 12 cm.

Breeds suitable for cage keeping

Breeds of egg-laying chickens are more suitable for growing in cages than others. Among them there are varieties Hisex Brown, Leghorn and Loman Brown.These breeds easily adapt to new environmental conditions, and if they are constantly in a closed space, their productivity indicator does not deteriorate.

How to make a cage with your own hands

To take into account your own requirements for the place where laying hens are kept, you can make a cage yourself. During the construction process, you will need to draw up a drawing indicating the dimensions of the structure, calculate the planting density and provide arrangements for the comfortable existence of birds.

Dimensions

Regardless of the material from which the cage is made, there are standard dimensions for a four-tier structure. The width is 145 cm, height - 180 cm, depth - 70 cm. The bottom of the cage is made of mesh material with a line diameter of 2.5 mm.

Under the base you need to place a waste collection tray at a distance of 8-10 cm. The front wall is made of a mesh with a thicker diameter than the bottom, and an inlet hole is cut out.

Bird density

The number of chickens in one cage depends on the free space inside. In order for birds to develop properly and lay eggs, one adult requires at least 0.2 square meters. As a rule, the stocking density does not exceed 5-6 animals per structure.

If it is necessary to transfer birds from free-range conditions to a confined space, the internal area should be doubled. Lack of freedom after living in the wild can lead to a stop in egg laying. Laying hens should be accustomed to new places gradually, reducing the area over time. It is recommended to keep birds of the same age and breed in one cage.

Lighting and temperature

Artificial light sources need to be installed inside the cells. The presence of lighting is important for egg-laying chickens and affects productivity.Lighting must be uniform; darkened or too light corners are unacceptable. Rheostats allow you to create smooth lighting, which adjust the brightness level and gradually begin to illuminate the space.

The microclimate in the cells also plays an important role. The optimal temperature for laying hens is between 20-27 degrees. Suitable atmospheric humidity is 50-70%.

Necessary equipment for arranging cages

Equipping cages with chickens requires a basic set of equipment. Birds need feeders, drinkers, ventilation, lighting and heating devices.

How to properly keep chickens

Keeping laying hens at home requires taking into account a number of rules. In order for birds to actively develop and maintain a high level of productivity, an integrated approach will be required.

Nutrition

You can feed birds with ready-made combined feeds that contain all the necessary nutritional components, or with natural products. You can include corn grits, grated vegetables, and herbs in your birds' diet. When using compound feed, you should pour it into the feeders as you use it. Other foods should be given to birds several times a day on a schedule.

Chickens should have clean water in their drinking bowls on a regular basis.

Cleaning the cages

It is recommended to empty litter trays and perform basic cage cleaning daily. The presence of dirt, falling feathers and other waste leads to the spread of parasites and diseases in birds. Once a quarter, you should carry out a large-scale cleaning of the entire chicken coop, purify the air and disinfect the room.

Prevention of diseases and parasites

Most chicken diseases and parasite infestations occur due to violation of living conditions.As preventive measures it is recommended:

• constantly monitor the condition of the birds;
• with slow growth and thinness, increase the content of vitamins in the feed;
• keep the chicken coop clean;
• carry out protective treatment of chickens.

Ventilation

The presence of ventilation in the poultry house promotes the flow of fresh air and eliminates unpleasant odors. Typically, ventilation is installed during the construction of the chicken coop. If there is no hood, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room naturally.

Additional Tips for Beginning Poultry Keepers

Without much experience in keeping chickens, poultry farmers often encounter common problems. To avoid mistakes, you should familiarize yourself with the recommendations for breeding birds.

Cellular fatigue

As a result of constantly being in a confined space, some varieties of chicken may exhibit cellular fatigue syndrome. The consequences of the syndrome are muscle paralysis and osteoporosis. For treatment, birds are given dietary calcium and the amount of time they spend outdoors is increased.

Panic

After placing chickens in a closed cage, they may begin to panic, which manifests itself in the form of restless behavior. In this situation, it is necessary to gradually accustom the birds to new conditions so as not to create stress.

Cannibalism

Cannibalism is a pathology of chicken behavior and consists of an aggressive attitude towards fellow chickens and damage to eggs. To avoid the negative consequences of cannibalism, aggressive individuals should be raised in separate structures.

Wing fracture

Birds colliding with various obstacles often lead to broken wings.It is not recommended to treat fractures yourself, since this process requires special skills. If the wings are broken, you should seek help from a veterinarian.

Rickets

The cause of rickets is the unbalanced diet of birds. The main control measure is to review the diet. Due to rickets, the elasticity of the bones may increase, and they will not be able to support the weight of the chicken.