The Government has recently announced the start of a consultation which will see the end of cages for commercial laying hens in the UK. On 22nd December 2025, DEFRA published its new Animal Welfare Strategy for England and among the headlines is a commitment to work with the egg industry to phase out enriched (“colony”) cages for laying hens.
Many people assume cages are already a thing of the past, but the reality, as so often, is a bit more complex. Enriched colony cages replaced barren battery cages in 2012 and include mandated features like perches, nest areas and a scratch pad.
However, laying hens are still in cages, which place limits on a hen’s freedom of movement and ability to carry out normal behaviours.
That is why, at the British Hen Welfare Trust, we welcome the direction of travel. But announcements like this only matter if they turn into clear, practical change for hens and for the people responsible for their care.
What’s actually been announced
DEFRA’s strategy sets out an objective to ensure farmed animals have “a life worth living”, including by phasing out enriched cages for laying hens (and farrowing crates for pigs). However, this is not a law coming into force today but an intention, paired with a consultation which will develop policy before it is implemented.
That process matters and will help define timelines, enforcement and safeguards which will either be strengthened or watered down.
Why “enriched” cages are still a welfare issue
DEFRA acknowledges that colony cages restrict a hen’s choice and limit normal behaviours such as running, wing flapping, dustbathing and foraging, and this matches what we see in practice. The BHWT rehomes ex-commercial hens at the end of their laying lives, and we see first-hand the difference that space, enrichment and freedom to roam can make to a hen’s wellbeing.
It is also more widespread than many people realise. DEFRA’s latest egg statistics show that 17% of eggs passing through UK packing stations – the facilities where eggs are graded and packed before going to retailers and food businesses – came from hens kept in enriched colony systems last quarter (Q4 2025). And with the UK laying flock at around 55 million (June 2024) that means around 10 million hens are living in cages.
The BHWT’s position
Of course, it goes without saying that the BHWT supports a transition away from cages but, for it to be meaningful, it needs a clear end-date and a workable transition plan. Also, vitally, farmers and the wider sector need a time-specified plan so planning can be done with confidence.
Support for farmers
Welfare improvements last when they are properly considerate of all stakeholders and have a pragmatic approach that will work. It is essential that farmers are supported not just by government, but by consumers too who understand that supporting a strong egg industry will ultimately help to support higher welfare through confident investment.
Trade and transparency safeguards
If UK farmers are asked to raise welfare standards, progress must not be undermined by cheaper, lower-welfare imports out-competing them. This is especially important because many eggs are eaten as ingredients in processed foods, where cage production can be hidden from view. Greater transparency in processed egg sourcing should become the norm, as should support for British farmers with high welfare credentials.
What you can do
- Have your say on the consultation. Public interest helps keep momentum behind welfare progress.
- Choose higher-welfare eggs where you can, and look at labelling in foods made with eggs to ensure support for the free range sector.
- Support the BHWT’s work through rehoming, fundraising, or sharing our messages.
We’ll keep supporters updated as the consultation progresses and, of course, draws to a conclusion, please make your mark in this golden opportunity to influence laying hen welfare.
