The European Commission has announced that by the end of 2023, a legislative proposal will be presented to phase out and prohibit the use of cages for several farm animals. Cage-free egg production systems can be broken into three categories, each with its own set of standards: organic, free-range and barn.

Conventional layer housing systems
Since their domestication, chickens have traditionally been kept in floor systems. Conventional cages eventually became the standard housing system as egg production advanced. These cages brought several benefits to egg producers, such as:
· Efficient use of available area
· Fully automated process
· Easier management
· Superior hygiene
· Lower incidence of infectious diseases
· Lower feed consumption
· Lower cost of production
Cages began to be criticised for restricting bird movement and the expression of certain behavioural patterns of laying hens. Furnished cages were an attempt to combine the best of two worlds: The advantages of conventional cages in terms of hygiene and efficiency of production and increasing hens’ behavioural expression, along with improving the bird’s physical condition.

Future of housing systems
In its most recent Egg Track Report, issued in 2020, Compassion in World Farming revealed that dozens of major egg producers, retailers, food service companies and hotel chains, including corporations with a worldwide presence, have committed to banning cage eggs from their supply chains, opting instead for free-range, barn or organic eggs. Some of these companies have already fully transitioned to cage-free eggs, while most others plan to do so by 2025.
In 2008, 68% of hens in the EU were housed in cages. In 2020, this dropped to 48%. Likewise, in 2009, cage-free flocks yielded only 5% of US eggs. They now account for 29% of all eggs produced, and it is estimated that by 2026, their share will increase to about two-thirds of the market.

Summary
Cages have been the dominant egg production system for decades. However, concerns about bird welfare are driving the ban on cage eggs. However, this change to cage-free egg production systems is associated with some significant economic, financial, and technical challenges. Learn more about how to successfully transition to cage-free by filling out the form below.