Keeping chickens healthy and productive starts with choosing the right type of housing. Chicken cages come in various designs and sizes, each suited for different poultry needs and management styles. Whether you’re running a commercial egg production business or keeping a few backyard hens, understanding the options and benefits of different cage systems is crucial. This article explores the most popular types of chicken cages and offers guidance on selecting the best option for your flock’s welfare and your productivity goals.

Types of Chicken Cages

• Battery Cages: Commonly used in commercial egg production, battery cages house multiple chickens in separate compartments. They are designed for efficiency and ease of management, including simplified feeding and waste removal. However, they are often criticized for limited space and poor living conditions.
• Free-Range Systems: This option allows chickens more freedom to roam outdoors, typically with access to a shelter or cage for nighttime protection and egg laying. Free-range systems are favored for animal welfare but require more space and can have higher management challenges.
• Enriched Cages: As a middle ground, enriched cages provide more space than battery cages and include features like perches, nesting areas, and scratching pads to promote natural behaviors. These are becoming more popular as they address animal welfare concerns while maintaining management efficiency.