The first time they experience the outdoors is when they are sent to the slaughter house. Barn laid eggs are produced in sheds with deep litter on the floors. The hens are not caged and have access to nests for laying. Free range hens have the added advantage of being allowed to roam outside as well as having access to sheds for protection and nests for egg laying. Free range egg production is the most humane method.
Consumers have the power to banish the battery cage by changing their buying patterns.
Don't be misled by farmyard pictures on the egg cartons or terms such as Fresh Eggs or Farm Fresh Eggs. Unfortunately the egg labelling system has confused many people. HSI is currently working on a 'humanely produced' label that will tell you at a glance that the animal husbandry practices involved were best practice. BARN LAID - Chickens are confined in pens containing up to 1000 hens. These eggs are produced by ecologically sustainable producers ensuring no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers are polluting our lands and rivers.