Free-range systems for laying hens are widely seen as higher welfare than caged alternatives, but their actual welfare outcomes depend heavily on management and range quality.
Free-range labelling does not guarantee good welfare outcomes. Range quality, stocking density, house design, and management practices determine whether hens actually benefit from outdoor access. A well-managed enriched colony system can offer better welfare than a poorly managed free-range system. Consumers looking for genuinely higher welfare eggs should seek certification schemes with robust auditing rather than relying on basic free-range claims.