Furnished Colony Cages for Laying Hens: Welfare Assessment

Furnished colony cages replaced battery cages in the EU in 2012 but continue to attract welfare criticism for failing to meet hens full behavioural needs.

Key Facts

Furnished colony cages provide 750 cm2 per hen plus shared amenities
Hens can perch, use nest boxes and access litter areas in furnished cages
Wing spreading and comfort movements are still severely restricted
Mortality rates are lower in colony cages than in barn or free range systems
Animal welfare organisations generally consider colony cages inadequate

Welfare Considerations

Furnished colony cages represent an improvement over conventional battery cages but fall short of allowing hens to express their full behavioural repertoire. Space is insufficient for normal movement, social interactions are constrained, and access to enrichment materials is limited. Research consistently shows that hens in cage-free systems perform more positive welfare behaviours despite higher injury risks in some systems. The EU is reviewing furnished cage standards with a view to further restrictions.

What You Can Do

Choose free-range or higher welfare eggs over cage-free or barn options
Look for RSPCA Assured or equivalent certification on egg products
Support legislative campaigns for a complete ban on caged systems
Encourage cafes and food service providers to switch to cage-free eggs