Poultry Farming

Poultry Colony Cage vs Cage-Free Transition Welfare

The transition from colony cages to cage-free systems for laying hens involves welfare trade-offs that require careful management to achieve net benefit.

Key Facts

Colony cages restrict natural behaviour but protect against outbreaks of feather pecking
Cage-free systems allow dust bathing, nesting, perching, and wing stretching
Mortality can be higher in cage-free systems due to feather pecking and smothering
Well-managed cage-free systems with adequate resources achieve good welfare outcomes
Aviary systems with multiple tiers and enriched environments are preferred by laying hens

Welfare Considerations

The cage-free transition represents a genuine welfare improvement when well managed, but poorly designed cage-free systems can produce worse welfare outcomes than enriched cages. Good management, stockperson training, and adequate provision of resources including nest boxes, perches, and foraging substrate are essential for the welfare benefits of cage-free to be realised.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from certified cage-free systems with higher welfare assurance
Support cage-free transition campaigns that include management training requirements
Advocate for cage-free standards that specify resource provision, not just housing type