Majority of Hens in Slovakia Now Kept Outside Cages

Slovakia has transitioned to predominantly cage-free hen farming, with the majority of the country's 2.9 million hens now housed outside traditional battery cages as of January 2026. The shift represents a significant change in the country's poultry industry practices, moving toward more animal welfare-conscious farming methods. This development aligns with broader European Union trends toward improving conditions for farm animals, as many EU countries have been gradually phasing out conventional cage systems in favor of alternative housing that allows hens greater freedom of movement.