Effects on productivity and aggressive behavior of laying hens of solid versus wire cage partitions and bird density.

The effects of solid metal cage partitions or wire mesh cage partitions and two cage densities (5 or 7 birds/60.9 cm X 35.6-cm shallow cage) on production performance traits, aggressive behavior, and feather covering of White Leghorn layers were assessed from 20 to 60 wk of age. Type of cage partition had no significant effects on any of the traits measured. Higher cage density, however, was associated with significantly lower hen-day egg production, feed usage, final body weights, and feather covering. No differences were observed for egg weights, egg loss, mortality, or aggressive head pecking activity of birds housed in the two cage densities.