A cage-related foot pad dermatitis in dwarf and normal-sized single comb white Leghorn layers.

Studies were conducted to determine if wire cage floors were involved in producing a foot pad dermatitis in dwarf and normal-sized Single Comb White Leghorn layers. Dermatitis scores were found to be higher for dwarf birds reared in cages versus litter floors. The use of plastic-coated cage floor inserts and wooden perches reduced the incidence of dermatitis in caged dwarf birds. Normal-sized layers consistently exhibited a lower incidence of dermatitis than did dwarf hens.