Laying hens kept in furnished or colony cages have more space and some resources than battery cages, but welfare remains significantly compromised compared to barn, free-range, or organic systems where hens can express natural behaviours.
Even in furnished cages, hens cannot fully spread their wings, dustbathe properly, or establish stable social hierarchies. Injurious pecking and feather pecking remain significant welfare issues in all intensive systems. Hens in colony cages show higher levels of feather damage and stress-related behaviours than free-range or organic hens. The elimination of colony cages from supply chains is a key welfare campaign objective.