She needs her space.  
Average wingspan: 75cm
She needs her space.
Just like you do.
Space afforded by cage egg farmers: 26cm
Average wingspan: 75cm
But egg industry bosses think space is a luxury hens don’t deserve.
Space afforded by cage egg farmers: 26cm
Average wingspan: 75cm
They ignored science, and squeezed millions of animals into tiny spaces like this.
Space afforded by cage egg farmers: 26cm
Average wingspan: 75cm
That’s not even enough room to spread her wings!
Space afforded by cage egg farmers: 26cm
So, for most egg-laying hens, life’s a bit like living in a straightjacket.
Cage egg farmers not only denied her space. They denied her all the things that make her happy. Like stretching, walking, exploring...
...and sunlight.
‘Life’ in a tiny cage isn’t just cruel and unnatural. It’s unhealthy, too.
Osteoporosis
80% of caged hens suffer from osteoporosis due to calcium depletion and lack of movement. SOURCE: “Welfare Implications of Avian Osteoporosis” (2004), A. B. Webster
Weak and unable to exercise, 4 in every 5 caged hens suffer a crippling disease.
SOURCE: New Scientist - ‘Secret sleep of birds revealed in brain scans’
Her only escape from this caged cruelty is in her sleep. And just like you, she dreams...
She dreams of a kinder world — of a life worth living.
Animals Australia Animals International
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Will you free her?

Generations of gentle hens have been locked in cruel & unnatural battery cages. People power will get them out!

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Australia’s cruellest farming device — the battery cage — has been under review.

This could be a breakthrough for animals. Or, it could lock in more cruelty, for decades.

Egg industry bosses have had their say: they want to keep hens in cages.

Now, it’s up to us to get help get hens out of cages.
Count me in!

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur / Animal Equality
FACT: This year alone, 7 million more chicks will be born to suffer a lifetime of cruelty in a battery cage.
FACT: hens suffer in cages.
FACT: hens are doting mothers, and have a strong desire to protect their loved ones.
FACT: these little animals have BIG personalities. Some are shy. Some are social. Some are cheeky.

Give hens some space

159,360 kind people made submissions calling for an end to battery cage cruelty. The consultation is now closed, but you can add your name in solidarity!

Edit your submission Use Sample Letter
TO: the Poultry Code Review Panel,

My thoughts about proposed welfare standards for farmed birds follow.

Comments on Regulatory Impact Statement Options

Included in the RIS are the following options:

Option A: Maintain the status quo (i.e. the base case as described in Part 4.2 of the RIS);

Option B: convert the proposed national standards into national voluntary guidelines (the minimum intervention option) in addition to the base case;

Option C: adopt the proposed standards as currently drafted, which would replace in the MCOPs in the base case;

Option D: vary the proposed standards (option C) to phase out conventional cages for chicken layers over 10 or 20 years in favour of alternative systems ‘typical’ free range/barn/aviary or furnished cages. (nest/perch/space/forage).

A: I don’t back this option at all. Keeping things as they are would be utterly unacceptable in my opinion.

B: I am totally opposed to this option. This option still won't allow guidelines to be enforced.

C: I don't believe option C is sufficient. It would require extra caveats added to win my support.

D: I could agree with this option, but only if cages are phased out over 10 years, rather than 20 years. I also want to let you know that I don’t support the option of so called furnished cages.

Sincerely, (Your Name)
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This form allows you to send your personal public submission direct to the Poultry Code review (sent to publicconspoultry (at) animalhealthaustralia.com.au). To ensure your submission meets the requirements of the public consultation, it must be accompanied by your full name, and general contact details. Along with your personal submission, these details will be disclosed to the Poultry Code Review panel, as well as your state MP/s (if you choose to send them a copy) and state Agriculture minister.

Full details on the proposed Code can be found here for comment.

You are encouraged to edit or write your own submission by clicking "Read or Edit Submission". Just make sure it is polite and free from profanity.

Anyone can make their voice heard — you don’t need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to take action.

Please note that the content of your submission will be treated as public information, in line with the official Review process. Your submission may be published on the website of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. Statements may also be attributed to you in reports produced during the Poultry Code review process.

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