cage

cage (kaj) a box or enclosure.

---

rib cage , thoracic cage the bony structure enclosing the thorax, consisting of the ribs, vertebral column, and sternum.

---

cage

an animal or bird enclosure with the walls made of rods or mesh to provide maximum restraint with greatest ventilation, reduction in weight, visibility and access to the inhabitant.

---

cage birds

companion birds that are customarily kept in cages to restrain and protect them.

cage biter syndrome

damage caused to the teeth of caged exotic animals, particularly large cats, from aggressive biting on the cage wire or bars.

cage layer fatigue

birds housed in cages may reach a stage where they are unable to stand up straight. They also develop very fragile bones. This problem is a common target for animal welfare complaints. It is a cause of wastage because of the rate of culling and because of splintering of bones and a resulting downgrading of carcasses at slaughter. Called also cage layer osteoporosis.

cage layer osteoporosis

removal of medullary and cortical bone from laying hens being fed a diet deficient in calcium. See also cage layer fatigue (above).

cage paralysis

see thiamin nutritional deficiency.

cage rearing

pigs that are weaned very early, e.g. at 3 weeks, are reared artificially in cages.

squeeze cage

cage with one wall capable of being moved inwards, usually by mechanical means, so that the inhabitant can be restrained sufficiently to prevent its movement and to allow access to suitable sites for the administration of injections. An essential piece of equipment for veterinarians working at zoos, circuses and game farms.