About HWAG

The Hen Welfare Advisory Group is a panel of animal welfare, veterinary and egg industry advisors to guide research and communications from the Australian Egg Corporation Limited (AECL).

The Hen Welfare Advisory Group was established by AECL in recognition of public demand for balanced, high-quality, scientific information on egg production and hen welfare in Australia. The Hen Welfare Advisory Group has reviewed the information presented on this website to ensure that it is accurate, balanced and reflective of the practices employed on modern Australian egg farms.


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Cage Eggs

About 80% of eggs purchased in Australia are cage eggs. These eggs come from hens that are housed in cages within a shed. Cage typically accommodates between four and twenty birds and range in size from 1800cm² to 11,000cm².   

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Barn Laid Eggs

Hens in barn systems are free to roam within a shed that is designed to keep them clean and healthy. About 5% of eggs sold in Australia are barn laid eggs.

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Free Range Eggs

Free range eggs come from hens housed in sheds that have access to an outdoor range for at least 8 hours during the day. They return to sheds for roosting, laying, drinking and eating. About 25% of eggs sold in Australia are free-range.  

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Specialty Eggs

With essential vitamins and minerals as well as the highest nutritional content of any food, eggs are a beneficial inclusion in a healthy diet. 

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