Cage-Free Systems and Laying Hen Welfare

Cage-free egg production eliminates the most extreme confinement of laying hens but requires good management to realize its welfare potential.

Key Facts

Cage-free systems allow hens to walk, spread their wings, and lay eggs in nesting boxes
Cage-free hens can dust bathe, perch, and exhibit more natural social behaviors
Without good management, cage-free systems can have high rates of pecking and injury
Enriched cage-free aviaries represent the current standard for welfare-focused commercial production
Over 60% of US eggs are projected to be cage-free by 2030 based on company commitments

Welfare Considerations

The cage-free transition represents a major improvement over conventional battery cages, eliminating the worst physical deprivation. However, welfare in cage-free systems varies enormously based on management quality, stocking density, and system design. Poorly managed cage-free flocks can have high rates of injurious pecking and feather damage from social stress. Well-managed aviaries with appropriate enrichment, proper stocking densities, and good lighting programs achieve dramatically better welfare outcomes. The cage-free transition is necessary but not sufficient for good hen welfare.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free certified eggs as a minimum welfare threshold
Prefer eggs from systems certified to higher standards like Animal Welfare Approved
Support companies that have committed to cage-free sourcing with public timelines
Advocate for meaningful welfare standards within cage-free systems
Visit or support farms demonstrating best practices in cage-free hen management