Enriched Cages for Laying Hens: Better but Still Inadequate

Enriched cages replaced battery cages in 2012 but still prevent hens from expressing natural behaviours important to their welfare.

Key Facts

Battery cages were banned in the EU and UK in 2012 replaced by enriched or colony cages
Enriched cages provide 750 square centimetres per hen compared to 550 in battery cages
Hens in enriched cages still cannot fully stretch their wings which requires around 1,600 square centimetres
Around 50 percent of UK eggs come from cage systems including enriched cages
Free range and barn systems allow significantly more space and behavioural expression

Welfare Considerations

Despite providing more space and resources than battery cages, enriched systems still severely restrict natural behaviour. Hens cannot dustbathe properly in the limited litter area, cannot fully spread their wings, and have limited opportunities for social interaction. Bone fractures from osteoporosis are common in cage systems. Feather pecking and stress occur even with enrichment. The welfare improvement over battery cages is real but does not address fundamental motivational needs.

What You Can Do

Buy free range or RSPCA Assured barn eggs rather than caged eggs
Check that processed foods use non-caged eggs and ask manufacturers to switch
Support campaigns for complete cage bans which several European countries have implemented
Encourage retailers to set cage-free sourcing timelines and track progress
Advocate for a UK cage-free egg legislation consistent with higher welfare commitments