What are barn-laid eggs?
Barn-laid eggs are a good alternative to cage eggs, and a well-managed barn that provides enrichment for the hen can be just as welfare friendly for a hen as a proper free-range facility. From an animal welfare perspective it’s a myth that barn is second best. It’s all about who is operating the system and to what standards they adhere.
Many eggs are marketed as ‘cage-free’, which generally refers to barn-laid systems. In these systems, hens are not kept in cages and can move around within large sheds. All barn systems provide next boxes for laying; however, the design and quality of housing can vary. Not all barns provide adequate perching or suitable litter for scratching and dust bathing. Clear, science-informed welfare standards are important to help ensure hens are provided with the resources they need.
Under the RSPCA Australia Standards for Layer Hens, birds in barn laid systems must be provided with nest boxes for laying, perches for roosting, suitable litter for scratching, foraging and dust bathing, and environmental enrichment to encourage natural behaviors.
To learn more about RSPCA Certified, or to download the standards, visit our website.
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