Layer Hen Cage-Free Transition: Global Progress

The global shift from battery cages to cage-free systems for laying hens is one of the largest ongoing farm animal welfare transitions in history.

Key Facts

The EU banned conventional battery cages in 2012, and enriched colony cages are being phased out by 2027
Major food companies including McDonald's, Nestle, and Unilever have made cage-free pledges covering hundreds of millions of hens
US cage-free production increased from 4% in 2015 to over 35% by 2025
Cage-free systems present new welfare challenges including higher disease transmission and injurious pecking rates
Brazil, Mexico, and other major producing countries are beginning cage-free transitions driven by export market requirements

Welfare Considerations

The cage-free transition represents unprecedented progress in farm animal welfare at scale, but it is not a simple welfare improvement. Cage-free hens have more space and can express more natural behaviors, but they also face new welfare challenges: higher rates of injurious pecking, greater disease transmission, and management complexity that varies enormously between farms. The welfare quality of cage-free systems depends critically on management quality, not just the absence of cages. Well-managed cage-free systems with adequate litter, perches, and pecking enrichment deliver genuine welfare improvements; poorly managed systems may not.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free, free-range, or organic eggs from certified suppliers
Support policies requiring cage-free standards for all egg production
Advocate for welfare support during farm transitions to cage-free systems
Reduce egg consumption and explore plant-based alternatives
Learn about the specific welfare requirements of different egg production systems