Conventional battery cage egg production is being phased out in many countries following decades of welfare science demonstrating it fails to meet hens minimum behavioral needs.
The conventional battery cage represents one of the most thoroughly documented animal welfare failures in agricultural history. Hens in battery cages cannot spread their wings, engage in dust bathing, lay eggs in a nest, or perch — all highly motivated behaviors that generate genuine suffering when denied. Decades of welfare science, combined with public pressure and corporate commitments, have driven one of the most significant animal welfare reforms in food production. Cage-free systems are substantially better than battery cages for these behavioral needs, though not perfect. Continuing pressure is needed to ensure cage-free standards include genuine enrichment.