Protection of laying hens

At the Agriculture Council on 21 February, ministers discussed the state of play regarding the phasing out of conventional cages for rearing hens. The discussion was based on the Commission's briefing on the multi-stakeholders' meeting that took place in January.

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The Commission reminded the member states of the deadline of 1 January 2012 — laid down in 1999 — when conventional battery cages for laying hens will no longer be allowed in the EU. It also asked them to provide data on enforcement and declared its intention to monitor the situation until the ban comes into force. Member states agreed that in order to ensure a level playing field among producers and avoid fragmentation of the internal market, the deadline must be met. At the same time, it is important to safeguard EU producers' competitiveness in relation to third countries.

The industry can choose between so-called enriched cages and alternative systems. In enriched cages, hens have access to at least 750 cm² of cage area per bird, nests, litter for pecking and scratching, perches for resting and clawing boards. Alternative housing includes barn systems and free range systems, offering the birds more space and freedom to move around and dust-bathe.

The abolition of traditional cages is aimed at improving the wellbeing of the birds, including their health. The welfare problems often encountered in rearing of laying hens involve increased risk of disease, bone breakage due to osteoporosis, harmful pecking (even cannibalism), behavioural problems and mortality.

Surveys have shown that European consumers are particularly concerned with animal welfare. Many of them are willing to pay more for eggs produced in systems that take more account of the wellbeing of the birds.

More information:
Press release
Outcome of the multi-stakeholder meeting (pdf) (en)
Press conference webcast