Egg production has undergone significant welfare reform in some countries, but the majority of the world egg supply still comes from systems with severe welfare compromises.
Egg production welfare is a spectrum from severely restrictive to reasonably welfare-positive, depending on system type. Conventional battery cages prevent virtually all natural behaviors including wing-spreading, dust-bathing, and nesting. Enriched cages provide slightly more space and some enrichment but remain highly restrictive. Cage-free barn systems allow movement but may have high density, poor air quality, and high pecking injury rates without good management. Pasture-raised systems with genuine outdoor access and good management provide the most welfare-compatible conditions but cost more to produce. Consumer and legislative pressure has driven significant cage reform in California, the EU, and elsewhere.