Battery Cage Bans and Laying Hen Welfare

The global movement to ban battery cages represents one of the most significant animal welfare policy advances of the 21st century.

Key Facts

Conventional battery cages give each hen 550 cm2 — smaller than an A4 sheet of paper
The EU banned conventional battery cages in 2012, affecting 300 million hens
15+ US states have passed cage-free requirements since California's Proposition 2 in 2008
Colony cages provide more space but still restrict many natural behaviours
Truly cage-free systems require further improvements in enrichment and management

Welfare Considerations

Battery cage bans represent genuine welfare progress, removing the most extreme confinement of laying hens. However, cage-free systems are not problem-free — without good management, they can see high rates of feather pecking, disease, and mortality. The transition from cages to truly good welfare requires both physical space and appropriate enrichment, management skills, and ongoing monitoring. The direction of travel is positive but the destination requires continued advocacy.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free or free-range eggs and products
Support campaigns for cage-free pledges from food companies
Advocate for enriched standards within cage-free systems
Learn about the difference between cage-free and high-welfare egg production
Support enforcement of cage-free pledges by major retailers and food companies