Farm Animal Welfare

Cage-Free Hen Transition Management Challenges

Converting laying hen production from cages to cage-free systems improves welfare but introduces new management challenges requiring skill and investment.

Key Facts

Cage-free systems include barn, free range and organic production
Mortality from injurious pecking can be higher in cage-free without good management
Multi-tier systems require hens to learn to use elevated platforms safely
Air quality management is critical to prevent respiratory disease
Litter quality maintenance prevents foot problems and disease
Transition requires significant capital investment and management skill

Welfare Considerations

Cage-free represents a major welfare improvement over conventional cages, allowing expression of key natural behaviours including wing-flapping, dust-bathing, perching and foraging. However welfare gains are not automatic - they depend on excellent management. Poorly managed cage-free systems can have higher mortality from feather-pecking and respiratory disease. The industry transition requires substantial investment in farmer training alongside capital investment.

What You Can Do

Support brands with credible cage-free transition timelines and monitoring
Choose cage-free eggs to drive market transition
Advocate for government support for small farmers during cage-free transition
Encourage welfare organisations to provide management guidance alongside advocacy