Farm Animals

Poultry Range Access Enhancement

Improving the quality and hen use of outdoor range is a key welfare opportunity in free-range egg production systems.

Key Facts

Pop-hole size and number significantly affect how many hens can access range
Vegetation cover and shelter in range areas increase outdoor use by up to 50%
Shade structures, feed and water outside encourage hens further into range
Range rotation maintains vegetation quality avoiding bare muddy areas
Perimeter predator deterrence affects hen confidence to venture outdoors

Welfare Considerations

Free-range certification guarantees outdoor access but not welfare benefit from that access. Hens that stay indoors due to fear, distance or poor range quality receive no benefit from nominal outdoor provision. Range enhancement investments that increase actual outdoor use translate certification into welfare reality.

What You Can Do

Support certification schemes monitoring and improving actual range use
Advocate for range quality standards including vegetation and shelter requirements
Choose eggs from farms demonstrating high range utilisation