The government has set out plans to move away from cages for laying hens and to encourage the use of slower-growing chicken breeds, as part of its new Animal Welfare Strategy published today.
In the strategy, ministers commit to improving welfare standards for farmed animals. For egg production, the government says it will move away from “confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens”. While no firm timetable or replacement systems are set out in the strategy itself, the wording signals a clear policy direction away from caged housing for hens in England and Wales.
In broiler chicken production, the strategy states that the government will promote the use of slow-growing chicken breeds. The strategy does not propose any ban on standard breeds, but indicates a shift in approach through promotion rather than regulation .
Delivery of the Animal Welfare Strategy is expected to take place over several years. The government says it will work with interested parties to implement the measures by the end of 2030, suggesting a phased transition for changes affecting poultry systems.
Further detail on how the commitments on laying hen cages and meat chicken breeds will be implemented is expected to follow through consultation, legislation and regulation once the strategy is formally published.