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“Choosing foods where the animal has grown up in a cage free environment is increasingly important to many people.

When it comes to hens, according to the Humane Society of the United States, cage-free hens are able to walk, spread their wings and lay their eggs in nests, vital natural behaviors denied to hens confined in cages. The vast majority of cage-free hens in America live on farms that are 3rd-party audited by certification programs that mandate perching and dust-bathing areas. These advantages are very significant to the animals involved.

In countries like New Zealand the definition of cage free or free range is not as clear. Many people who buy eggs labelled as free range, believe the hens laying these eggs enjoy a better standard of life, and trust the free range label.

However, in some situations, these free range claims may be misleading.There is currently no standard government definition of what free range/cage free means but under the Fair Trading Act the labelling of products must comply with the real situation and can not mislead the consumer

Animal Welfare Benefits of Cage-Free Farming:

Improved Living Conditions:

Animals raised in cage-free systems have more freedom of movement compared to those confined to cages. They have space to walk, perch, and engage in natural behaviours, leading to better overall welfare.

Enhanced Behavioural Expression:

Cage-free systems allow animals to exhibit their natural behaviours, such as nesting, perching, and socialising. This promotes their physical and mental well-being.

Reduced Stress and Injuries:

Cage-free systems decrease the stress levels experienced by animals, minimising the risk of injuries caused by confinement. The ability to move freely contributes to healthier and happier animals.

Environmental Benefits of Cage-Free Farming:

1. Reduced Environmental Impact: Cage-free farming systems often have lower environmental footprints compared to intensive confinement systems. This is because they require less energy and resources to maintain, leading to a decreased impact on land, water, and air.

2. Lower Emissions: Cage-free systems tend to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and carbon dioxide, compared to intensive confinement systems. This contributes to mitigating climate change and promoting a more sustainable food system.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Cage-Free Products:

1. Choose Cage-Free Eggs: When purchasing eggs, look for labels that clearly indicate the eggs are from cage-free hens. This ensures the hens were not kept in confined cages and had the freedom to move around.

2. Select Cage-Free Poultry and Meat: Opt for poultry and meat products that come from animals raised in cage-free systems. Look for labels or certifications that indicate the animals were not confined to cages.

3. Support Certified Farms: Some regions have certifications for cage-free farming practices. Familiarise yourself with these certifications and support farms that adhere to higher animal welfare standards.

4. Explore Plant-Based Alternatives: Incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet is an effective way to reduce the demand for animal products altogether. Plant-based proteins, such as legumes, tofu, and tempeh, can be nutritious alternatives to meat and poultry.

Conclusion:

Embracing the concept of cage-free aligns with the principles of animal welfare and sustainable food choices. By opting for cage-free eggs, poultry, and meat, individuals can actively contribute to improving animal welfare standards and reducing the environmental impact of their food choices. Making informed decisions and supporting cage-free farming practices can lead to a more compassionate and sustainable food system.

References:

1. Appleby, M. C., & Hughes, B. O. (1991). Welfare of laying hens in cages and alternative systems: environmental, physical, and behavioral aspects. World's Poultry Science Journal, 47(2), 109-128.

2. Siopes, T. D. (2004). The environmental impact of free-range poultry production systems. World's Poultry Science Journal, 60(1), 101-114.

3. SCAW (Scientific Committee on Animal Welfare). (2012). The Welfare of Laying Hens in Cage and Cage-Free Housing Systems. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/food/sites/food/files/animals/docs/aw_eu-farm_animals_scaw_report25_en.pdf

4. Humane Society International. (2021). What is Cage-Free? Retrieved from https://www.hsi.org/news-media/what-is-cage-free/

5. World Animal Protection. (2017). Cage-Free Systems: A Sustainable Solution. Retrieved from https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/sites/default/files/int_files/sustainable-solutions-cage-free-systems-2017.pdf