Layer Hen Welfare | RSPCA Certified

Eggs are a common staple for many Australians, but do you know how eggs are produced?

According to recent data, over 16 million layer hens are farmed in Australia for their eggs. Layer hens may be farmed in one of four systems: battery cages, furnished cages, barn (cage-free) or free range.

Across all systems there can be welfare challenges, but RSPCA Certified eggs can only come from cage-free (barn or free-range) farms that have been assessed and certified of RSPCA Australia Standard for Layer Hens.

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Eggs

For layer hens on RSPCA Certified egg farms, cages are strictly prohibited. Requirements of RSPCA Australia Standard for Layer Hens stipulate lower stocking densities in both barn and free-range systems, meaning hens have more space to move freely, stretch their wings and socialise.

The standard provides hens with further opportunity to carry out important behaviours, with litter for dustbathing and scratching, perches for roosting, and nest boxes for laying their eggs. All with improved management and care throughout their lives.

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“Animal welfare has always been paramount for our family business. We believe healthy hens will lay delicious eggs for our customers to enjoy.”

Farm Assessments

RSPCA Certified egg farms are assessed annually by specially trained RSPCA Assessors, with additional unannounced assessments on top of a routine assessment.

From 1 July 2026, abattoirs that process hens at the end of their laying cycle will be subject to annual unannounced assessments.2026, abattoirs used to process spent hens (hens at the end of their laying cycle who no longer produce eggs) will also be assessed annually, and these abattoir assessments will always be unannounced.

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Legal requirements for Layer Hens

The RSPCA Australia Standard and corresponding certification from RSPCA Certified is just one way the RSPCA works to improve layer hen welfare. But for millions of layer hens in Australia, there are numerous welfare concerns that need to be addressed.

The national Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry (which is proposed to underpin state and territory legislation) include a phase out of barren battery cages no later than 2036. However, the Standards are yet to be implemented in most states and territories, with the exception of WA, which implemented the standards in 2024.

In the ACT battery cages have been prohibited since 2014. RSPCA Australia would like to see all states and territories commit to implementing the national Animal Welfare Standards, as soon as possible.

Additionally, the RSPCA would like to see improvements to outdoor ranges including more shade to encourage use of outdoor areas, further decreases in indoor stocking densities and alternative management strategies to reduce feather pecking.

For more information about key welfare issues for layer hens, and how the RSPCA continues to advocate for improvements, visit the RSPCA Australia website.

Legal minimum	RSPCA Certified
Stocking density is currently 18 birds per m2 in cages, however proposed regulation requires 13 birds per m2 in cages, with a phase out of battery cages by 2036. Max 15 birds per m2 in the shed for either barn or free-range systems.	Cages are strictly prohibited. Stocking density must be a maximum of 7 birds per m2 for floor-based sheds or 9 birds per m2 where there is outdoor access. Max 9 birds per m2 for multi-level sheds.
Currently perches not legally required, however proposed legislation requires 15cm perching space per bird.	Birds must have access to a minimum of 150m of perches per 1000 birds, (equates to 15cm per bird) at a variety of heights.
In conventional cages hens stand on wire and have no access to litter. In barn or free-range system, shed flooring consists of plastic slats; providing litter is not required.	Dry, friable litter managed and maintained and accessible from chick placement unless there is access to outdoor area. Litter must cover at least 1/3 of floor in floor-based shed and be deep enough for birds to dust bathe and forage.
No legal requirement for monitoring against legislation.	Specially trained RSPCA Assessors visit farms once a year with unannounced assessments on top.

Since 1996, 1.9-million-layer hens have benefitted from better conditions thanks to RSPCA Certified.

RSPCA Standards

Discover the hundreds of requirements outlined in the RSPCA Australia Standard for Layer Hens.

RSPCA Standards

Case Studies

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Animal welfare has always been paramount for our family business. We believe healthy hens will lay delicious eggs for our customers to enjoy.

Elgin Valley Farms is committed to farming our birds to a higher welfare standard and focusing on great supply chain partnerships, the quality and consistency of our products, and our dedication to excellence throughout every phase of production.