Furnished cages provide more welfare features than battery cages but remain controversial, with evidence suggesting cage-free systems provide better welfare for most hens.
Furnished cages represent an intermediate welfare position that satisfies EU legal requirements without delivering the welfare of cage-free systems. Research shows hens in cage-free systems have stronger bones from exercise but higher injury risk; furnished cage hens have reduced injury but constrained movement. Welfare science suggests well-managed cage-free systems with appropriate stocking and enrichment provide better overall welfare, which is why commitments are moving in that direction.