Cramped battery cages were prohibited in the EU in January 2012. However, modified cages, also referred to as ‘enriched’, ‘furnished’ or ‘colony’ cages, remain legal, and animal welfare experts agree that these new cages are not a great deal better. These hens lose feathers through stress and die at an earlier age. After all, a cage is still a cage.
The birds in ‘enriched’ cages have slightly more room to move than in conventional battery cages but their ability to behave naturally remains severely restricted – so much so that often they can barely move or stretch their wings. Beak trimming is routine and these hens do not have access to outdoor pasture. A cage-free egg is one that has been produced in accordance with the welfare methods set out for free-range eggs or organic eggs. Eggs not produced in either of these ways are automatically classed as eggs from caged hens.
Ambient Product
Allergens: Egg
