Farm Animals

Battery Cage Conversion and Hen Welfare Transition

The global shift from battery cages to cage-free egg production represents one of the largest animal welfare improvements underway, affecting hundreds of millions of hens.

Key Facts

Over 600 companies including major restaurant chains have made cage-free commitments covering billions of eggs annually
California Proposition 12 requires all eggs sold in the state to come from cage-free hens from 2023
Cage-free hens have more space, can perch, nest, and dust bathe — significantly improving behavioral welfare
Transition costs and supply chain complexity have slowed implementation of many corporate commitments

Welfare Considerations

The cage-free transition is one of the most consequential ongoing improvements in farm animal welfare by sheer numbers. While cage-free systems still have welfare challenges including keel bone fractures and beak trimming, they represent a genuine advance over battery cages. Corporate commitments that go unfulfilled or delayed undermine the transition — accountability mechanisms are essential.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from verified cage-free, free-range, or pasture-raised sources
Support ballot initiatives and legislation requiring cage-free standards for eggs in your state
Hold companies accountable to their cage-free commitments through shareholder pressure and purchasing choices
Advocate for welfare certification bodies to include behavioral welfare in cage-free standards
Support research into optimal cage-free management that minimizes transition welfare problems