Supporters said the chickens should not be kept in such small cages that they can't spread their wings. They said the cages -- called battery cages -- are usually about 67 square inches in size and don't allow chickens to move properly.

"The case is about the size of half a newspaper," Derry Democrat Linda McCarthy said.

But critics said the production methods are scientifically accepted and necessary to manage the health and vitality of the flock.

The House killed one bill that would have banned the practice in New Hampshire -- though supporters acknowledged there was no evidence of abuse in the state. The ban also would have applied to domesticated turkey, duck, goose and guinea used to produce eggs.

Representatives also killed a second bill that would have required the state to buy its eggs from farmers who don't confine their hens in the small cages. Supporters said that would help New Hampshire's egg-producers.

Source: Reformer.com