Farm Animal Welfare

Laying Hen Colony to Cage-Free Housing Transition Welfare

The global shift from colony cages to cage-free laying hen systems requires careful management to ensure welfare benefits are realised.

Key Facts

Over 30 countries have pledged cage-free egg timelines for corporate procurement by 2025-2030
Cage-free does not mean high welfare - floor systems can have poor air quality and high mortality if mismanaged
Keel bone fractures are paradoxically more common in cage-free systems due to perch falls
Proper system design with adequate perches, litter and light management is critical for outcomes
Farmer training and transition support significantly determine actual welfare achieved

Welfare Considerations

The transition from colony cages to cage-free is a positive step but can introduce new welfare problems if not managed carefully. Hens in cage-free systems have greater freedom of movement but also face novel risks from conspecific aggression, keel bone fracture and respiratory disease from litter. Design and management quality determine whether welfare genuinely improves.

What You Can Do

Support retailers who require welfare monitoring data alongside cage-free commitments
Advocate for welfare auditing standards in cage-free egg certification
Choose eggs from certified cage-free farms with transparent welfare reporting
Engage with producers about post-transition welfare monitoring programmes