Welfare and cost implications of aviary housing systems

The egg production sector in the United States is facing demands from buyers and policy-makers to change the standards for laying hen housing systems and to apply alternative systems to balance environmental enrichment with environmental containment and disease control. These changes come at a cost. The go-to alternative housing systems to meet future demands is the aviary housing system. Here, birds have access to an open litter floor, nest boxes and perches. In addition, laying hen