Layer Hen Welfare in Furnished Cages

Furnished or enriched cages replaced conventional battery cages in the EU but still restrict natural behaviors for billions of laying hens worldwide.

Key Facts

Approximately 7.5 billion laying hens are kept worldwide in commercial production
Conventional battery cages give each hen less space than a sheet of paper
The EU banned conventional battery cages in 2012, replacing them with furnished cages
Furnished cages provide a nest box, perch, and scratching area but limited space
About 66% of US eggs still come from caged hens as of the mid-2020s
Cage-free systems have welfare advantages and disadvantages over furnished cages

Welfare Considerations

Furnished cages allow slightly more space and basic behavioral expression but still prevent flight, full wing extension, and complex social navigation. Perches at inadequate heights and nest boxes shared among too many hens create competition and stress. Bone fractures from osteoporosis caused by calcium depletion for egg production affect hens in all systems. Cage-free systems reduce some restrictions but introduce risks of aggression, disease, and smothering in large flocks without good management.

What You Can Do

Choose certified cage-free, free-range, or pasture-raised eggs
Support brands committed to meaningful cage-free standards with third-party verification
Reduce egg consumption or use plant-based alternatives
Advocate for legislative bans on caged egg production
Donate to organizations working to improve laying hen welfare
Ask restaurants and food companies about their egg sourcing policies