Research reports and experience of successful producers indicate that a high standard of bird care is a basic requirement if egg production is to achieve its full potential. High standards of bird care, however, have to encompass both the metabolic needs of a particular species and other factors that evidently contribute to the well-being of animals. The housing of laying hens in cages is currently the most widely accepted confinement system used by producers of table eggs in Canada. Although this system is receiving most of the criticism for failing to meet all the defined acceptable standards of animal welfare, it may provide more advantages.
