Farmed Hen Battery Cage Phaseout Progress and Welfare

The global transition away from battery cages for laying hens is the largest-scale farmed animal welfare reform in history, with significant progress made and work remaining.

Key Facts

Approximately 300 million laying hens in the EU are now in enriched cages, cage-free, or free-range systems following the 2012 conventional battery cage ban
The US has no federal ban on battery cages, but over 30 states plus Washington DC have enacted or are implementing bans
Over 2,000 companies globally have pledged to source 100% cage-free eggs
Enriched cages provide more space and amenities than conventional cages but welfare scientists note they still restrict natural behaviors
True cage-free systems allow hens to express natural behaviors including dustbathing, perching, and laying in nests
Hen welfare in cage-free systems depends critically on flock management - poorly managed cage-free barns can have worse welfare outcomes than well-managed enriched cages
The transition costs for egg producers range from 30-50 cents per dozen additional cost

Welfare Considerations

Hens in conventional battery cages cannot spread their wings, dustbathe, or nest - the most fundamental behavioral needs. The scale of this deprivation across billions of hens represents one of the largest sources of preventable animal suffering. The ongoing transition to cage-free systems, while imperfect, represents genuine welfare progress at historic scale.

What You Can Do

Choose certified cage-free eggs or reduce egg consumption to support the transition
Ask food companies about their cage-free commitments and progress timelines
Advocate for federal cage-free legislation to accelerate and standardize the transition
Support organizations monitoring company cage-free pledge compliance
Learn about the welfare differences between cage-free certification standards