The behavioral needs of laying hens and how cage-free systems can meet these needs while managing new welfare challenges.
The cage-free transition represents significant welfare progress for laying hens while introducing new challenges that require active management. Battery cages cause severe restriction of natural behaviors including the species-typical dust bathing that is a motivated behavioral need. Cage-free environments restore these behavioral opportunities but create new welfare risks: keel bone fractures from falls and collisions are prevalent, and feather pecking can be severe in large flocks. Welfare-focused cage-free management requires appropriate stocking densities, adequate perch design and distribution, nest box provision, litter quality maintenance, and vigilant monitoring of flock health. The transition from battery cages to well-managed cage-free systems is welfare positive when these challenges are addressed.