Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen Welfare in Colony Cage Systems

Enriched colony cages were designed to improve on battery cages but significant welfare concerns remain. Comparison with higher welfare alternatives reveals important differences.

Key Facts

Enriched colony cages replaced barren battery cages in the EU in 2012
Colony cages provide more space (750 cm2 per hen) and enrichments including perches and nest boxes
Keel bone fracture rates in enriched colonies average 50-70%, comparable to or exceeding aviary systems
Range use in colony cage systems is impossible by design - hens are permanently housed
Consumer surveys show strong preference for free-range over colony cage eggs when aware of the difference

Welfare Considerations

Enriched colony cages improved on battery cage welfare but remain significantly below higher welfare systems for most welfare indicators. The keel bone fracture problem affects a majority of colony-cage hens, and permanent indoor housing prevents behavioral expression of ranging motivation. Colony cage systems represent an improvement over the status quo ante but not a welfare endpoint.

What You Can Do

Choose free-range, organic, or barn eggs over enriched colony cage eggs
Advocate for a complete phase-out of colony cage systems in favor of cage-free alternatives
Support retailers and food companies committing to 100% cage-free egg sourcing
Learn about the specific welfare differences between colony cages and higher welfare systems