Millions of hens still in cages as Pancake Day arrives, warns RSPCA

As households across the UK prepare for Pancake Day, the RSPCA is urging shoppers to choose eggs from cage-free hens, warning that an estimated 7.4 million egg-laying hens remain in confined systems.

The RSPCA Assured scheme, the charity's higher-welfare certification, highlighted the issue ahead of one of the year's biggest egg-consumption days. While traditional battery cages were banned in 2012, they were largely replaced by "enriched" cages, providing each hen with roughly the space of a large pancake – about 31.5cm.

Izzy Candy, head of farming at RSPCA Assured, said: “Those who are planning to make pancakes this coming Tuesday may not think their choice of egg is a big decision, but it truly matters.

"Every egg comes from a hen whose quality of life depends on the choices we make when we shop.

"So, with one of the biggest egg-eating days of the year approaching, we want to shine a light on these remarkable animals and encourage everyone to look for the RSPCA Assured label. That way, you can be confident your eggs come from cage-free hens reared to higher welfare standards.”

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In caged systems, hens are restricted from natural behaviours, which can cause stress, feather-pecking, and physical problems such as bald patches from rubbing against bars.

Progress continues, however. Around 83% of UK egg production is now cage-free, reflecting strong public support and commitments from major supermarkets including Aldi, Co-op, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose, which sell only cage-free shell eggs.

Unlike shell eggs, which must display the production method, eggs used as ingredients – such as in pancake mixes – often lack this labelling, meaning consumers may unknowingly support lower-welfare systems.

In Devon’s Torbay area, local residents can easily access RSPCA Assured eggs through trusted suppliers.

Eggs on Legs, a family-run delivery service in Torquay, offers fresh free-range eggs that are RSPCA Assured and Red Lion stamped. The eggs come from farms meeting the RSPCA’s strict standards, including ample space, perches, nest boxes, and enrichment for behaviours like foraging and perching.

Delivery is free across Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot, and surrounding areas, with options for various quantities and regular subscriptions. Orders can be placed directly via their website (eggsonlegstorquay.co.uk) or social media channels.

While dedicated RSPCA Assured restaurants or cafes are not prominently advertised in Torbay, the label appears on many packaged foods and eggs in local supermarkets and farm shops. Consumers are encouraged to seek out the RSPCA Assured mark on products and menus to support higher-welfare farming.