Farmed Animals

Global Egg Production Welfare Overview

Egg production is one of the world's most widespread animal agriculture sectors with enormous welfare implications.

Key Facts

Over 1.4 trillion eggs are produced globally each year from around 8 billion laying hens
Cage systems still house the majority of global laying hens despite bans in some regions
India, China, and the USA are the world's largest egg producers with varying welfare standards
The cage-free transition is underway in many countries but progress is uneven
Battery cage housing prevents virtually all natural laying hen behaviours

Welfare Considerations

The scale of global egg production means that welfare improvements in this sector affect billions of individual animals. While cage-free transitions are progressing in some markets, the majority of the world's laying hens remain in battery cages or similarly restrictive systems. Consumer and corporate pressure for welfare improvements must continue at pace.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free, free-range, or organic eggs whenever possible
Support corporate cage-free commitments and hold companies accountable to them
Reduce egg consumption or switch to plant-based alternatives
Advocate for cage-free legislation in countries that still permit battery cages