Farm Animals

Laying Hen Colony Cage to Cage-Free Transition

The global shift away from enriched colony cages toward cage-free systems presents welfare opportunities and challenges that require careful management.

Key Facts

EU enriched colony cage ban for laying hens proposed for 2027 is subject to delay
Cage-free systems allow expression of more natural behaviours including perching and dust bathing
Transition periods create welfare risks from inadequate stockpersonship and management
Keel bone fractures are higher in some cage-free systems than well-managed colonies
Consumer demand for cage-free eggs has driven rapid corporate commitment changes

Welfare Considerations

The welfare case for cage-free housing is strong in principle but realised welfare depends entirely on management quality. Well-managed cage-free systems with adequate space, enrichment, and stockpersonship are substantially better; poorly managed ones may not be.

What You Can Do

Support cage-free egg purchasing from certified high-welfare farms
Advocate for management quality standards alongside system type in welfare schemes
Learn about cage-free challenges to be a more informed welfare advocate
Choose producers transparently reporting keel bone fracture and mortality rates