Laying Hen Furnished Cage Phase-Out Progress

The EU and UK are moving toward phasing out furnished cages for laying hens, with major welfare implications for hundreds of millions of birds across European egg production.

Key Facts

Furnished cages house the majority of EU laying hens despite being considered a welfare compromise
The EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy include commitments to phase out caged farming
Switzerland banned enriched cages for laying hens in 2012 - one of the first countries to do so
A furnished cage provides approximately A4 sheet of space per bird plus nesting and perching areas
Cage-free systems can present different welfare challenges including higher feather pecking rates if poorly managed

Welfare Considerations

The phase-out of furnished cages represents the most significant structural change in European egg production welfare. Furnished cages, while an improvement on battery cages, still severely restrict movement, social behavior, and the expression of natural behaviors. Cage-free systems - including barn, free-range, and organic - allow greater behavioral freedom but require careful management to prevent the emergence of feather pecking and other welfare problems. The transition requires investment in farm infrastructure, stockperson training, and management system improvements. Consumer support for cage-free eggs drives the commercial case for the transition ahead of regulatory deadlines.

What You Can Do

Buy cage-free, free-range, or organic eggs as a minimum welfare standard
Support supermarket commitments to 100% cage-free egg sourcing with brand loyalty
Advocate for accelerated timelines for the legislative phase-out of furnished cages
Support farmers transitioning from cage to cage-free systems with appropriate financial assistance
Follow the progress of cage-free commitments by retailers and food service companies