Farm Laying Hen: Colony Cage to Cage-Free Transition

The global transition from conventional and colony cages to cage-free systems represents a major welfare improvement for billions of laying hens.

Key Facts

Over 8 billion laying hens are kept globally, with the majority still in caged systems
EU legislation banning conventional cages came into force in 2012, with colony cages remaining permitted
Corporate commitments from major food companies have driven cage-free transitions beyond legal requirements
Cage-free systems allow hens to express natural behaviours including nesting, perching, and foraging
Transition management is critical as poorly managed cage-free systems can have higher mortality from disease and cannibalism

Welfare Considerations

Cage systems prevent fundamental natural behaviours including wing-spreading, dust-bathing, and nesting, causing chronic frustration and physical harm from bone weakness. The transition to cage-free represents a major welfare improvement, but it must be well-managed to avoid creating new welfare problems. Good system design, stocking density, and disease management are essential.

What You Can Do

Choose cage-free or free-range eggs where they are available
Support food companies that have committed to cage-free supply chains
Advocate for stronger regulatory standards that prohibit colony cages
Learn about the differences between cage-free, free-range, and organic welfare standards
Engage with supermarkets about their progress towards cage-free egg sourcing