The end of cages?

At the start of the year DEFRA announced it would be consulting over plans to ban cages for laying hens in the UK – news that, on the surface, is a landmark for poultry in the UK.

Whilst we welcome the move, which if approved would see cages confined to history from 2032, the issue isn’t quite black and white. Because announcements like this only matter if they result in welfare improvements for hens whilst also supporting our British egg industry.

Many people assume cages are a thing of the past. While barren battery cages were banned in 2012, they were replaced by enriched colony cages with mandated features like perches, nest areas and a scratch pad. The industry invested heavily at the time and are now investing again in improving welfare.

DEFRA’s latest strategy sets out an objective to phase out these colony cages for laying hens, and farrowing crates for pigs. It acknowledges that cages restrict a hen’s natural behaviour and of course, we know the difference that fresh air and space make to her life.

This move to barn and free-range would improve the lives of millions of hens currently laying whole shell eggs for consumers. But this only works if we don’t then import cheaper eggs from other countries with lower standards.

The UK is currently 89% self-sufficient when it comes to egg production,a statistic we only want to see increase.

However, we must also consider eggs used as ingredients within processed foods like cake, pies and sauces, which account for 16% of UK egg use. These are often seen as ‘hidden’ eggs which could easily fall foul of slack trade deals.

The BHWT submitted its response to the consultation, which ended on 9th March, and we will keep you updated on progress as it happens via our Fresh Laid News bulletin – if you aren’t already signed up, you can do so by scanning this QR code.