Providing meaningful outdoor access to laying hens is complex but significantly improves their welfare when done well.
Genuine outdoor access provides laying hens with opportunities to express natural behaviours including dustbathing in soil, foraging for insects and plants, and avoiding flock mates in an enriched environment. However, poorly designed ranges with no cover are largely unused. Evidence shows that providing trees, shrubs, and artificial shelters on range dramatically increases usage, meaning welfare benefits are only realised with thoughtful range design.