BATTERY CAGE Meaning and
Definition
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A battery cage is a specific type of confinement system used in intensive animal farming, primarily for housing laying hens. It consists of multiple small individual enclosures, often arranged in long rows, which restrict the movement and behavior of the hens. Each cage usually accommodates several hens, usually numbering between four and 12. The cages are typically made of wire mesh, allowing for minimal space per hen, as the main purpose is to maximize the efficiency of egg production.
The design of battery cages severely limits the hens' ability to exhibit natural behaviors, such as perching, scratching, nesting, and stretching their wings. The small size of the cage restricts movement, thereby diminishing the hens' physical and mental well-being. Moreover, these cages often lack adequate provisions for thermal comfort and ventilation, which can lead to health issues for the hens.
Battery cages have faced significant scrutiny due to welfare concerns, and they have been banned or phased out in many countries. The use of these cages has been criticized for the ethical implications it poses, as it restricts the hens' freedom and deprives them of the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors. In response to these concerns, alternative housing systems have been proposed, like enriched cages or non-cage systems, which aim to provide hens with more space and amenities to meet their physiological and behavioral needs.
Etymology of BATTERY CAGE
The word "battery" in "battery cage" comes from the French word "batterie", which originally referred to a military formation or a group of weapons. Over time, it came to be associated with a group or series of similar objects arranged together.
The term "battery cage" was coined in the mid-20th century to describe a specific type of housing system for animals, particularly chickens. These cages are designed for intensive egg production and are arranged in multiple tiers, with several rows of cages stacked on top of each other. The birds are confined to small, wire cages within these battery systems.
The use of the term "battery" in this context emphasizes the dense arrangement of cages, similar to a military battery or an array of weapons. It reflects the industrialized and confined nature of these housing systems, where large numbers of animals are kept in a compact space for efficient egg production.
