Birds are easier to catch for movement purposes, beak-trimming and vaccination. When pullets are moved to laying cages there is less stress. Labour costs are lowered. Feeding is easier to control. Disadvantages Capital costs are higher.
Birds tend to be more flighty during the rearing period.
Cannibalism and feather-picking can be a problem if the beaks are not correctly trimmed. Temperature control throughout the shed is more critical during brooding. Chickens are not able to move away from hot or cold spots as they could if brooded on the ground. Stratification of temperature can be a problem, especially when high-rise shedding is used. Care should be taken to ensure correct brooding temperature at chick level.