Free-range laying hens have outdoor access but range use varies enormously, and the quality of range provision determines whether free-range certification reflects genuine welfare improvement.
Free-range certification does not guarantee meaningful outdoor use. Hens that never leave the house have similar welfare to enriched cage birds despite free-range labelling. Range quality including shade trees, shelter structures and vegetation cover significantly increases hen use of the range. The welfare value of free-range systems depends entirely on whether hens actually access and use the outdoor environment provided.