All eggs from caged hens will be removed from the shelves of Woolworths over five years as the supermarket responds to growing consumer demand to address animal welfare, the supermarket chain will announce on Friday.

Battery hens lay half of the eggs sold by Woolworths and will be phased out by 2018, affecting 12 caged egg suppliers that will have to shift to a sustainable cage-free model.

Phase out: By 2018, Woolworths have pledged to no longer stock caged eggs.

The change will mean a rise in egg prices, with caged eggs being the cheapest option, but is expected to be applauded by animal rights groups and ethical consumers.

As part of Woolworths' poultry overhaul, caged eggs will no longer be an ingredient of any home-brand products.