Because of the close proximity to each other, aggression may become a problem and hens may attack their cage mates. Hens are often painfully debeaked in an attempt to stop this. This mutilation involves removing a third of the bird s beak using a red-hot blade. The environment of a battery hen is completely artificial. Light is controlled to ensure maximum laying time.
Some hens die in the cages, and all too often go unnoticed until the corpse begins to smell.
The battery hen remains caged until her high levels of egg production drop off usually after laying for 1 year. She is then sent for slaughter at about 72 weeks of age and her meat used for pies, soups or pet food.