Farm Animals

Welfare of Animals in Intensive Egg Production

Egg production is among the most numerically significant sources of farm animal welfare problems, with billions of hens living in systems that prevent nearly all natural behaviors.

Key Facts

The US produces approximately 100 billion eggs annually from approximately 300 million hens
Conventional battery cages provide less space than a sheet of paper per hen
Male chicks — unable to produce eggs — are killed at hatch by maceration or gassing (approximately 300 million per year in the US)
Cage-free systems have significant welfare advantages but also challenges around pecking and disease
Hen welfare is strongly correlated with ability to perform dustbathing, perching, foraging, and nesting

Welfare Considerations

Egg production welfare begins at hatch with the killing of male chicks — a practice that in-ovo sexing technology is beginning to address commercially. For female hens, the welfare gap between battery cage and cage-free systems is large but not infinite: cage-free systems allow behavioral expression but can have higher pecking and disease rates without proper management. Genuine outdoor access and enrichment are what translate into meaningful welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Buy only cage-free or higher certified eggs — check for Certified Humane or AWA labels
Support brands committing to in-ovo sexing technology to eliminate male chick culling
Reduce egg consumption or substitute plant-based alternatives for cooking and baking
Advocate for cage-free conversion timelines in state and federal egg production legislation