Battery cages are small, cramped wire enclosures used to house chickens in the commercial egg-laying industry.

They have come under criticism due to the limited space and movement available to the birds, which can lead to physical problems and decreased quality of life.

• Battery cages are small, wire enclosures used for housing chickens in the commercial egg-laying industry.
• The cages are criticized for their limited space and movement, leading to physical problems and decreased quality of life for the birds.
• Battery cages are not commonly used for broiler chickens, as the birds need more space to grow to their full size.
• Instead, broiler chickens are typically housed in large, open barns or sheds, although concerns exist regarding the living conditions in these facilities.
• A growing movement is working to phase out battery cages and improve the welfare of chickens in all housing systems.
• Some countries have passed laws to ban battery cages, and many food companies have committed to sourcing eggs from cage-free systems.
• Despite not being used in broiler production, improving the living conditions of all chickens remains an important issue in animal welfare.