Cage-free barn systems represent a significant improvement over conventional battery cages but still present welfare challenges including injurious pecking, manure pit hazards, and inadequate space for all hens to access key resources.
Cage-free barn systems offer genuine welfare improvements over battery cages — hens can walk, perch, dustbathe, and interact socially in ways that cages completely deny. However, the welfare gains are not automatically achieved by moving hens into cage-free barns. High stocking density, inadequate perch space, poor litter management, and multi-tier system hazards can result in welfare outcomes that fall below their potential. Well-managed cage-free systems with adequate space, quality litter, appropriate perch availability, and effective flock health monitoring can deliver substantially better welfare than cage systems, but poor management can negate much of the advantage.