Victoria Gives 10M Hens Better Lives by 2036
Chickens raised for eggs in Victoria will soon get nests, perches, and room to scratch, improving their wellbeing. The changes align with national animal welfare standards agreed to in 2023.
Starting mid-2026, every new chicken cage in Victoria must include nest areas, perches, and scratch zones that let laying hens behave more naturally.
The state is implementing national welfare standards that will phase out conventional battery cages completely by 2036. It's a significant win for animal welfare advocates who have long pushed for better living conditions for the millions of hens producing Australia's eggs.
The upgrades mean hens can finally perform behaviors scientists say are essential to their wellbeing. They'll be able to perch at night, dust bathe, and lay eggs in private nests rather than on bare wire floors.
"It enables hens to perform highly motivated behaviours that are associated with positive experiences," says Dr. Lauren Hemsworth, an animal welfare expert at Melbourne University's Veterinary School. When chickens can't perform these natural behaviors, research shows they experience frustration and stress.
About 32 percent of Australia's eggs currently come from caged systems, mostly supplying restaurants, bakeries, and prepared foods. In supermarkets, caged eggs represent just 2 to 6 percent of sales as shoppers increasingly choose free-range options.
The transition timeline gives farmers flexibility. Only new cages must meet the standards immediately, while existing facilities have until 2032 to 2036 to upgrade. This phased approach balances animal welfare improvements with practical business considerations.
The Bright Side
The upgraded cages still offer advantages that help keep eggs affordable and disease-free. Better climate control protects hens from extreme weather, while separation from wild birds reduces disease transmission risks like avian flu.
Farmers can also monitor individual hen health more easily in cage systems, allowing for early intervention when chickens get sick. These benefits help explain why enriched cage systems, rather than just free-range alternatives, remain part of Australia's egg supply strategy.
The changes follow similar moves globally as science reveals more about chicken cognition and emotional needs. Europe began phasing out battery cages in 2012, and New Zealand completed its transition in 2023.
Ten million Australian hens will gradually get better lives, proving animal welfare and food production can evolve together.
More Images
Based on reporting by ABC Australia
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Spread the positivity!
Share this good news with someone who needs it
