Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen Enriched Colony Cage Welfare

Enriched colony cages replaced battery cages in the EU but continue to restrict behaviour compared to cage-free systems, with welfare implications for hens.

Key Facts

Enriched cages were mandated by EU Directive 1999/74/EC from January 2012
Minimum space in enriched cages is 750cm2 per hen versus 550cm2 in battery cages
Nest boxes, perches and scratch areas are required but at minimum specification
Keel bone fractures remain common in enriched cages due to limited perch height
The EU is now considering phasing out enriched cages in favour of cage-free systems

Welfare Considerations

Enriched colony cages represent an improvement over battery cages but continue to compromise laying hen welfare through limited space, inadequate nest access and low perch heights. The keel bone fracture rate remains high. Cage-free systems with appropriate design achieve significantly better welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free or free-range eggs rather than enriched colony cage products
Support EU and UK policy reform to phase out enriched colony cages
Advocate for retailers to commit to cage-free sourcing timelines