Conventional battery cages confine laying hens in spaces smaller than an A4 sheet of paper. Despite widespread bans in some jurisdictions, battery cages remain the dominant global egg production system.
Battery cages represent one of the most severe, large-scale welfare deprivations in animal agriculture. The inability to perform any natural behavior — for the entire productive life of 12-18 months — causes chronic frustration and physical harm. Osteoporosis from calcium diversion to eggshell production causes painful fractures during routine handling. The social dynamics of cage groups cause chronic stress and pecking injuries. Evidence consistently shows that hens in cage-free systems have higher welfare despite some trade-offs, and that consumer and legislative pressure has driven significant progress in cage bans globally.