Farm Animal Welfare

Poultry Range Quality and Hen Welfare

Range quality for free-range laying hens is a significant welfare determinant, with vegetation cover, shade and range design affecting how many hens actually use the outdoor space.

Key Facts

Up to 80% of free-range hens may never access the range in some systems
Hens venture further from the house when vegetation cover and shade are available
Enriched ranges with trees, shrubs and shelters dramatically increase range use
Range quality standards are weak in most free-range certification schemes
Ranger use improves bone strength, reduces aggression and improves overall welfare

Welfare Considerations

Free-range labelling implies outdoor access, but the welfare benefit depends entirely on whether hens actually use the range. In many systems, most hens never venture beyond the house. Providing vegetation cover, shade structures and food supplements in the range area transforms range use from token to real. Welfare certifications that audit range quality rather than just access availability provide much stronger welfare guarantees.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from farms with vegetation-rich ranges and high hen range use
Support certification schemes that audit range quality not just access
Advocate for range quality standards in free-range egg regulations