Enriched colony cages for laying hens provide more space and facilities than conventional battery cages but remain significantly inferior to cage-free systems for welfare — a distinction important for consumer decision-making.
Enriched cages represent a welfare improvement over conventional battery cages but should not be presented as a high-welfare alternative to cage-free systems. Hens in enriched cages remain severely space-constrained, have limited ability to express natural behaviours, and suffer high rates of keel bone fractures — a significant welfare indicator. Consumer purchasing decisions are most impactful when directed toward certified cage-free or free-range eggs rather than enriched cage eggs. However, welfare within cage-free systems also varies considerably — management quality, stocking density, and enrichment provision all affect whether cage-free systems deliver their potential welfare benefits.