Battery Cage Phase-Out and Enriched Colony Welfare

The global phase-out of conventional battery cages for laying hens is one of the most significant farm animal welfare advances, though enriched cages still limit important behaviours.

Key Facts

Conventional battery cages provided approximately 67 cm² per hen — less than an A4 sheet of paper
The EU banned conventional battery cages in 2012; many other countries have since followed
Enriched colony cages provide more space, nest boxes and perches, but still prevent dust bathing and normal movement
Cage-free systems — barn, free-range and organic — allow significantly more natural behaviour expression
Consumer demand for cage-free eggs has driven major retailer commitments globally

Welfare Considerations

The battery cage phase-out represents one of the most significant farm animal welfare achievements globally. However, enriched colony cages, while an improvement over conventional cages, still severely restrict laying hen behaviour. Hens cannot dust bathe, move freely or engage in normal social organisation. Cage-free systems vary significantly in quality — well-managed barn systems with enrichment and outdoor access provide good welfare, while overcrowded indoor barn systems without enrichment represent only marginal improvement over enriched cages. Consumer pressure for genuine cage-free certification with meaningful welfare standards continues to drive progress.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs certified as cage-free, free-range or organic
Look beyond the egg label to certification standards — not all cage-free is equal
Support corporate cage-free commitments and hold companies accountable for timelines
Donate to farm animal welfare organisations working on laying hen welfare reform