Free-range egg production grants hens access to outdoor areas, but range use varies enormously between farms and individuals. Understanding what drives hens to use range — and what prevents it — is key to delivering genuine welfare benefits.
Access to outdoor range only benefits welfare if hens actually use it. Farms where most birds cluster indoors fail to deliver the welfare improvements that free-range certification promises. Research consistently shows that range quality — vegetation, cover, gradient, and shelter — matters far more than raw acreage. Welfare audits should measure range utilisation rates, not just access provision. Farmers who invest in range infrastructure including shrub planting, artificial windbreaks, and mobile shelters see dramatically higher utilisation rates. This investment benefits hens through increased foraging opportunities, exercise, and UV exposure while supporting the commercial case for premium pricing.