Farm Animals

Laying Hen Furnished Cage Welfare Evidence

Furnished cages replaced barren battery cages in the EU, but evidence on welfare outcomes compared to cage-free systems continues to accumulate.

Key Facts

Furnished cages provide nest boxes, perches, and scratch areas absent in battery cages
Keel bone fractures remain high in furnished cage hens due to limited movement
Range use in cage-free systems is highly variable and not all hens benefit
Mortality rates are sometimes higher in cage-free due to disease and cannibalism risk

Welfare Considerations

Furnished cages represent an improvement over battery cages but do not achieve the positive welfare potential of well-managed cage-free systems. Trade-offs between different welfare measures mean system comparisons are complex. Continuous improvement in all systems is needed.

What You Can Do

Support cage-free commitments from retailers and food companies
Choose eggs with clear welfare certification wherever possible
Engage with ongoing policy debates about optimal laying hen systems