European rules stipulate free range hens must have at least one hectare of range for every 2,500 hens. But under the British Lion and RSPCA Assured schemes farmers voluntarily provide one hectare for every 2,000 hens.
Hens originate from jungle fowl so enjoy overhead shade. That means they may be reluctant to go outside in bright, sunny weather, although many farmers plant trees to give their hens shelter and a feeling of security outdoors.
While it's great to see birds outside on the range, when it's cold, wet or snowing they have the option of staying within the warmth of the shed.
Probably the best time to see them ranging is in the early morning and from early evening until dusk. (And yes, free range hens can be white too - they lay beautiful white eggs!).
Hens are fed automatically ensuring a constant supply of fresh food. Feed consists mainly of grain, such as wheat, along with soya meal, vitamins and minerals to ensure a balanced diet, supplemented by grass and the odd worm.
Ranges are generally protected by electrified fencing to deter predators. Hens are also wary of any threat from above posed by birds of prey.
Inside each house hens have an area of wood shavings or straw where they scratch and dustbathe. There are also perches to roost on and quiet, secluded nest boxes to lay their eggs.
Outside access brings a risk of exposure to disease. Free range flocks are supported by specialist vets and use flock health plans. Occasionally, if flocks are ill, they may need antibiotics but this is strictly controlled.
Organic eggs are also free range. Hens are fed on crops grown without the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Chicks do not have their beaks tipped (unless a derogation is granted) and hens have more space in the house.
As well as strict legislation ensuring hens are well cared for and consumers get to eat a safe product, individual farmers are able to choose what sort of shed and system they want to operate.
The early free range egg farms installed small sheds typically housing a few thousand birds.
These sheds are called flat deck systems because they are on a single level.
You can watch a video below showing what a flat deck shed looks like on an organic
free range egg farm in Berkshire.
North-east farmer free range egg farmer Phil Twizell has a large multi-tier shed and you can see what his looks like in the video below.
He explains how hen welfare is his number one priority and the multi-tier system helps the more dominant birds in the flock climb higher in the shed.
A two-year research project published in 2018 by Scotland’s Rural University and ADAS – the UK’s largest independent agricultural and environmental consultancy – found that the quality of stockmanship had a far bigger influence on flocks of laying hens than housing system.
The skill of the farmer to identify issues or create the environment in which birds can thrive is absolutely crucial, while the choice of housing system – flat deck or multi-tier – is not.