Furnished Cages for Laying Hens | Animal Welfare Hub

Furnished cages provide more space and resources than conventional battery cages but remain controversial compared to barn and free-range systems for egg-laying hens.

Key Facts

Conventional battery cages were banned in the EU in 2012; furnished cages became the legal minimum
A furnished cage provides around 750 cm2 per hen plus a nest box, perch, and scratch area
Scientific evidence shows furnished cages fail to meet full behavioural needs, particularly for wing-stretching and dust-bathing
Consumer preference and retailer commitments are driving a shift toward cage-free systems globally
Bone strength is typically better in cage-free systems due to greater movement opportunities

Welfare Considerations

While furnished cages represent an improvement over battery cages, hens cannot perform full behavioural repertoires including proper dust-bathing and natural foraging. Feather pecking remains a problem. Barn and free-range systems generally provide better welfare, though management quality varies greatly. Any cage system inherently restricts the freedom of movement that hens are motivated to perform.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs labelled free-range or barn-raised where available
Support legislation to phase out all cage systems for laying hens
Encourage retailers and food service companies to adopt cage-free pledges
Support producers transitioning to higher-welfare systems
Educate others about egg labelling codes and what they mean for hen welfare