Free-range egg certification requires outdoor access for hens, but the quality of outdoor range varies enormously. Genuine free-range welfare depends on hens actually using outdoor space meaningfully.
The gap between free-range certification and genuine free-range welfare is significant. Hens with legal outdoor access but no cover, shelter, or enrichment may rarely venture outdoors. Truly high-welfare free-range systems invest in range enrichment including pop-hole enrichment structures, trees, shrubs, and varied ground cover. Systems with better range utilization show improved hen welfare indicators including lower fearfulness, better feather condition, and reduced injurious pecking. Labeling reform to distinguish genuine range use from minimal technical compliance would help consumers make better choices.