Farm Animal Welfare

Cage-Free Hen Transition Management Advanced

Transitioning from enriched cages to cage-free systems requires careful management to realise welfare benefits and avoid new welfare problems.

Key Facts

Cage-free systems provide more space and behavioural opportunity but can increase aggression and disease risk
Keel bone fractures are paradoxically common in cage-free systems due to falls from perches
Litter quality management is critical in cage-free systems to prevent footpad and breast issues
Good stockmanship and flock monitoring are essential in large cage-free flocks
Transition support programmes help producers manage welfare challenges during conversion

Welfare Considerations

Cage-free transitions are welfare-positive overall but require active management to realise benefits; poorly managed cage-free systems can be worse than well-managed enriched cages.

What You Can Do

Support cage-free commitments from retailers and food businesses
Advocate for comprehensive welfare monitoring in cage-free systems, not just housing type
Choose eggs with detailed welfare credentials rather than solely housing system labels