Conventional Housing

This has been the predominant housing method in Canada for decades. Hens are housed together in smaller social groups, when compared to free run or free range, that offer easy access to food and water, and the eggs are collected by hand or conveyor.

Play

This style of housing started to become known as conventional when it became the widespread industry standard decades ago. Hens are housed together in cages with smaller social groups of five or six when compared to free run or free range. Conventional cages, while providing for the hens’ well-being, are to be phased out by the industry over the next 10 years to be replaced with housing that offers enrichments like perches and nesting areas.

Living Conditions

The hens have access to food and water 24 hours a day, and due to the smaller size of the groups, the pecking order is kept to a minimum.

Advantages/Disadvantages

First and foremost, the smaller social groups in conventional housing (when compared to Free-run and Free range) reduce behavioural issues and injuries from pecking, and this system produces the cleanest eggs. The conventional system doesn’t allow for hens to perch or lay their eggs in a nesting area.

Note: Cage is open.

Egg Collection

The eggs immediately roll down onto a conveyor belt for collection. This method keeps the eggs much cleaner than other systems. These belts carry the eggs to a centralized collection area where the eggs are packed wide-end up to keep the yolk centred.