Battery cages
We are very concerned about the keeping of any farm animals in restrictive cage systems. While the design of battery cages for laying hens changed throughout Europe in 2012, from the barren to the so called ‘enriched’ battery cage, they still consist mostly of wire mesh and don't provide enough room for the hens to move around freely, exercise, rest undisturbed or move away from each other properly. Scientific evidence has shown that the limited facilities required in cages do not allow for full dustbathing and foraging behaviours and research indicates that not providing for the full behavioural and physical needs of hens can cause frustration and suffering.

Higher welfare non-cage systems (barn and free-range) may require more skill to operate but, when properly managed, they can provide much higher standards of welfare compared with cages. Well-designed systems, with perches, nest boxes and floor litter for scratching, foraging and dustbathing, allow hens to perform natural behaviours and move freely around the building and, in the case of free-range, access the outside.

Feather pecking
Feather pecking is another laying hen welfare issue that we are very concerned about. This is where hens begin to investigate, peck and pull at the feathers of other hens, sometimes leading to more serious injuries and even cannibalism. Unfortunately it can affect hens in any system (cages and alternative) and outbreaks can suddenly occur.

The possible reasons for this behaviour can vary widely, but include environment, breed, nutrition, diseases, the way they were reared as pullets (before hens start laying eggs, when they are typically housed on a different farm) and sudden changes in things such as their feed or environment.

Beak trimming, or ‘tipping’, is often carried out when the hens are chicks to reduce the risk of feather pecking injuries in later life. Where beak trimming is carried out the law states it must be done before the birds are 10 days old and not more than one third of the beak can be removed. A change in legislation in late 2010 also restricted the method of beak trimming to infrared, which is a non-invasive technique, involving less handling and proven to be more consistent than previous methods.

A ban on routine beak trimming of laying hens, was due to start in January 2011, but was delayed by the Government who are now aiming for a ban by 2016. We are very disappointed that the serious problems that can occur from injurious pecking and cannabalism, cannot yet be fully and confidently avoided without beak trimming. However, we are continuing to work with all sectors of the industry on this issue, including rearing and breeding, and along with results from ongoing research, believe that a ban can be enforced by 2016.

We’re working in lots of different ways to try to improve the conditions in which all laying hens are reared, transported and slaughtered/killed.