A new directive in the EU has forced all poultry producers to switch from battery cages to furnished cages. Furnished cages (FCs)  are bigger and have perches and other amenities to improve hen performance and welfare. FC groups are getting bigger, up to 60 hens,  as more producers are forced to make the switch and try to remain competitive. Well managed large groups have preformed well. FCs are said to have 8% higher production costs compared to battery cages.