Free-range systems for laying hens are widely marketed as higher welfare, but the actual welfare outcomes depend heavily on stocking density, outdoor access quality, and flock management.
Free-range laying hen systems can genuinely improve welfare compared to caged alternatives, but only when the outdoor access is meaningful and the indoor environment is adequately managed. A label alone does not guarantee good welfare. Consumers and retailers can drive higher standards by seeking out certified systems with third-party auditing, and by advocating for stronger regulatory definitions of what free-range must actually provide.