Enriched colony cage production
(42% of UK production)
Across the EU conventional 'battery' cages were banned in 2012. In the UK, they have been replaced by larger, ‘enriched’ colony cages.
Colony cages provide 750cm² per bird along with a nest box for the birds to lay their eggs in, perching space for the birds to sleep on and a scratching area to perform natural behaviours. In the UK, enriched colony cages contain between 40 and 80 birds, enabling better use of the space and giving them more room to move around the colony.
Food is supplied in troughs fitted to the cages and an automatic water supply is provided. The units are kept at an even temperature and are well ventilated. Lighting provides an optimum day length throughout the year.
When the eggs are laid they roll onto a conveyor belt out of reach of the birds to await collection.
