Farmed Animals

Outdoor Range Use by Free-Range Laying Hens

Many free-range hens make little or no use of outdoor range due to behavioural barriers and inadequate infrastructure.

Key Facts

Free-range egg production allows outdoor access but range use varies enormously between flocks
Hens near the pop holes (exits) use range more than those at the back of large sheds
Tree cover, shrubs, and shelter structures dramatically increase range use across the flock
High stocking density inside sheds means many birds never reach the range exits
Range quality matters: bare, muddy ranges are used much less than well-managed vegetation

Welfare Considerations

Free-range labelling does not guarantee meaningful outdoor access for laying hens. Poor shed design, inadequate pop holes, and barren outdoor ranges mean many nominally free-range hens spend their lives indoors. Range infrastructure investment is essential to realise the welfare potential of free-range systems.

What You Can Do

Ask egg producers about actual range use data and range quality in their flocks
Choose eggs from producers with documented high range use and good range management
Support welfare standards that include mandatory range infrastructure requirements
Advocate for minimum range quality standards to accompany outdoor access requirements