Bienestar de las gallinas
We really do give a cluck
We know that without our hens we would be out of business. And we don't think they deserve to be cooped up. Yes, we could probably make more money using barn or caged hens like others do. But, that isn't good for the hens or your egg whites.
Studies have shown that free range eggs have better nutritional value than ones produced from caged hens. The variety of diet from foraging is responsible.
It's also just better for their quality of life. They get to experience walking, running, roosting, and dust-bathing. All the fun things. No one would choose being locked up over freedom and space.
What does free range mean?
Space, space and more space
One hectare of outdoor space is required for every 2500 hens. That's the equivalent of 4m2 per hen. At least 2.5m2 of space per hen must be available at any one time, if farmers use a rotation method.
Compare that to a barn hen, who gets 1m x 1m and worst still a hen in a cage. They only get 27.5cm x 27.5cm. Imagine being stuck in that size space 24 hours a day, no daylight, no fresh air.
Better for the planet
Hens must have continuous access during the day to open-air space, which must be “mainly covered with vegetation”. That means not only do the hens have freedom, but their environment has to have an abundance of plants. That can only be a good thing.