Free-range egg production is marketed as a high-welfare alternative to cage systems, but actual welfare outcomes depend heavily on flock management, stocking density, and range quality.
The welfare value of free-range production depends entirely on whether hens actually access range and what the range quality is like. Bare, muddy, or barren range areas are not used by hens even when available. Good range welfare requires vegetation providing cover, gradual training to encourage outdoor access from early age, multiple pop holes with adequate width, and protection from aerial predators. Indoor barn welfare is equally important - flock size, lighting, ventilation, and litter quality determine whether the indoor environment supports positive welfare. 'Free-range' as a label describes a system specification, not a welfare guarantee.