Running Head: PRODUCING EGGS THROUGH COLONY CAGES

Producing Eggs Through Colony Cages

Lauren Riback
Agricultural Science 301
Texas A&M University

PRODUCING EGGS THROUGH COLONY CAGES

Abstract
This paper explores information derived from several published internet resources regarding the
usage of colony cages to provide a more humane living environment for egg-laying chickens.
The articles varied slightly in their terminology as two of the articles originate from Great
Britain, and the others from the United States. However, the information provided in this paper
is internationally consistent with encouraging and promoting healthier surroundings for hens.
Keywords: egg production, enriched, more room, Proposition 2, humane

PRODUCING EGGS THROUGH COLONY CAGES

Producing Eggs Through Colony Cages

Cage-free, free range, barren or battery cages, and colony (or enriched) cages for egglaying chickens; there are so many descriptive adjectives about egg production and yet all yield
the same resulteggs for the consumer. Freefromharm.org (2016) reports that these cage
(or non-cage) alternatives are a sign of the times, that the egg industry is responding to
mounting pressure by the public for greater welfare for the nearly 300 million egg laying hens in
the United States while maintaining essential production levels. But how do colony cages
actually benefit hens?
Colony cages are just one of the current alternatives that at first glance appear to enhance
the well-being of hens used in volume egg production. According to information provided by
BigDutchmen.com (2016), one of the largest poultry cage suppliers, there is no law on record
that requires cage-free egg production. However, California voters passed Proposition 2 in
2008 (that came into effect in January 2015) requiring that egg-laying chickens must have
enough room to spread their wings to turn around. T. Greenaway (2014) states that a standard
battery cage allowed only 67 square inches (about the size of a piece of copier paper), and the
preferred colony cage requires 116 square inchesalmost double the space. California farmers,
however, are not required to install larger cages; they could simply satisfy that requirement by
reducing the number of chickens contained in current cages by creating enriched colony larger
cages and reducing the total number of production chickens in each cage. NPR.org (2016).
There really isnt a clear definition of the size of the cages, but there are specifics about
the size in relation to the hens they house. The main difference is that current battery cages that
are converted to colony enriched cages give each hen about 20% more room; so add about a
postcard size piece of paper to the earlier visual description. Enriched cages also have nest

PRODUCING EGGS THROUGH COLONY CAGES

boxes, litter, perches, and house about 10 hens. While brand-new colony cages have the same
amenities as the enriched colonies with 60-80 hens housed in each unit. Barlow (2013).
According to Freefromharm.org (2015), colony cages provide chickens with the ability to
move more naturally. This means that hens not only can move around more freely, but they can
also flap their wings. Colony cages contain both nesting boxes and perches, which also reduce
stress in the hens, and the elevated perches offer them the opportunity to sleep together as part of
any chickens natural behavior. While these behaviors are similar to that of chickens raised in a
small chicken coop backyard environment, colony cages still do not provide the reality that
most customers would like to believe that their eggs originated from happy chickens pecking at
the ground.
Keep in mind though that less chickens also equals fewer eggs produced. When
California voters passed Proposition 2, they most likely werent considering a large egg
production facility. Perhaps the environmentally conscience, 20-something, hipster that enjoys
visiting his or her local farmers market doesnt mind paying $8.00/dozen for local, pastureraised eggs, but 88 percent of the eggs in the U.S. come from hens that live in battery cages and
that means providing a large quantity of eggs to families. Greenaway (2014). The expense for
enlarging existing battery cages and/or installing the newer colony cage concept is entirely borne
by the farmer, and those expenses affect increased retail cost that is passed onto the consumer.
Californias largest egg producer, JS West & Companies, installed the first enriched colony
system in the U.S. for about $3.5 million. It will house 1.8 million birds, but it also reduced their
flock by 400,000. Greenaway (2014).
Discussion
Evidence from documented sources support the transition from battery cages to either
enriched or new colony cages for the overall health of egg-producing chickens. The additional

PRODUCING EGGS THROUGH COLONY CAGES

upside to the transition from battery cages to colony cages is the publics nod of approval for
reducing the inhumane treatment of commercial hens, and providing them with a more natural
environment.
Limitations of These Studies
It is important to note that at this time of this paper, the only regulation on the living
conditions of egg-laying chickens as quoted by BigDutchmen (2016) is Proposition 2 voted in
2008 by the State of California and mandated in 2015. However, farmers worldwide are
cautiously viewing upcoming changes and the potential for future regulations.
Adverse Effects. Giving hens more room can also have a downside. Dominant hens
will have more space to bully those lower in the pecking order (and they will not be able to
escape), and there are only 4 nesting boxes for 60-80 hens in each colony cage. Obviously,
fighting will ensue between hens for the boxes. Barlow (2013). There is also the risk of wing
and leg fractures that will go unnoticed amongst 60-80 birds actively moving around, and make
it more difficult to find hens that are injured or dead. Arnold (2013)
Like many others, I have difficulty viewing social media perpetuating inhumane
treatment with shock videos of animal abuse; male chicks stuffed into garbage bags, beaks
clipped off, and chickens shoveled with front-loading tractors. As a pending agriculture
educator, when I see images like these, it is important to remind myself to remember to
encourage each student to humanely raise their livestock project and respect the final purpose of
their project.
For all the above described benefits to the health of hens and the improved perception of
more humane animal treatment to consumers, it is important to consider that colony cages are not
the perfect solution. The concept is just a newer alternative to the ever expanding need for
farmers to produce more product in a limited space environment.

PRODUCING EGGS THROUGH COLONY CAGES

References
Arnold, Kristi. (2013, September 09). As Good as Cage-Free Eggs? Enriched Colony
Hen Houses. Retrieved November 02, 2016, from
http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/cage-free-eggs-debate.html
Barlow, J. (2013, March 18). Enriched and Colony Battery Cages. Retrieved October 24,
2016, from https://poultrykeeper.com/rehoming-battery-hens/enriched-and-colony-cages/
Enriched colony systems. Retrieved October 24, 2016, from
https://www.bigdutchman.com/en/egg-production/products/egg-production/enriched-colonysystems.html
From Battery Cage to Enriched Colony Cage: A Breakthrough for Egg-Laying Hens?
(2015, August 13). Retrieved November 01, 2016, from http://freefromharm.org/farm-animalwelfare/from-battery-cage-to-enriched-colony-cage-a-breakthrough-for-egg-laying-hens/
Greenaway, T. (2014, September 03). What a Difference a Cage Makes: California's
Humane Egg Battle | Civil Eats. Retrieved November 01, 2016, from
http://civileats.com/2014/09/03/what-a-difference-a-cage-makes-the-battle-over-humane-eggproduction-in-california-heats-up/
Most U.S. Egg Producers Are Now Choosing Cage-Free Houses. (2016, January 15).
Retrieved November 02, 2016, from
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/01/15/463190984/most-new-hen-houses-are-now-cagefree