The perchery (barn) design for laying hens utilises the vertical space within a building which is occupied by the perches, slatted sections with feeders and drinkers all at several levels. There are also dust bathing areas and roll-away nest boxes. This arrangement allows the stocking density to be increased to 17 birds/m2. Consequently, capital costs are reduced and optimum environmental temperatures can be achieved. These two considerations give this system a marked advantage when compared with a deep litter system. The perchery system also gives the hens freedom of movement and allows them to exhibit their natural behaviours, such as wing stretching, dust bathing and nesting. Thereby, overcoming the objections made to housing hens in battery cages. This study was done to determine the use of resources within the perchery by laying hens and to compare their body condition at the end of the laying period.