Farm Animals

Farmed Chicken Free-Range Range Quality: Access and Welfare

Free-range labelling requires outdoor access but does not guarantee hens actually use the range - range quality is the welfare determinant.

Key Facts

Studies show that in poor range conditions, over 80% of a flock may never use the outdoor area
Shade, shelter, foraging opportunities, and gradual range introduction affect range use
Covered verandas and planted range areas significantly increase range usage
Range quality assessment is included in RSPCA Assured standards but not standard free-range certification

Welfare Considerations

Hens that remain indoors in notional free-range systems gain no welfare benefit from technically available outdoor access. Range quality - including shade, cover, and foraging substrate - determines actual welfare benefit. Marketing of free-range must reflect actual hen use of the range.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from RSPCA Assured free-range systems with verified range quality standards
Ask egg producers about range design features that encourage outdoor use
Support labelling reform requiring verifiable range use in free-range egg certification