Highlights
1. Cage free refers to hens that have never been caged up and are allowed to roam over a small area with some regulations on the number of hens in the space.
2. Free range refers to hens that are allowed outside access for a certain amount of time before being locked up at night, but there are no specific regulations or guidelines for how long or how often they have access.
3. Both cage free and free range labels indicate that hens have been kept in more humane conditions than traditional practices of confinement in small cages.
Introduction
October 4, 2012 Posted by Admin
Cage Free vs Free Range
Cage Free and Free Range are labels used on poultry products, especially eggs. These labels indicate that the hens that laid these eggs have been provided with better living conditions than the usual practice of cramming them inside small poultry farms. In this article, we will highlight the differences between these two terms to help readers choose the eggs they are looking for when shopping.
Cage Free
The term “cage free” on eggs means that the hens have never been caged and have been allowed to roam freely in small open areas, such as open barns. These areas may include bedding material on the floor and nest boxes for the hens to lay their eggs. However, living with other hens is still allowed for cage free hens. It is important to note that eggs from cage free hens may not necessarily be healthier than those from caged birds, as in some places hundreds of hens are kept in a small open space. There are some regulations on the number of hens allowed in an area for cage free eggs, but outside of the EU, regulations may not be followed strictly.
Free Range
The increasing awareness and concern for the conditions in which egg laying hens are kept has led to the concept of free range hens. This term refers to hens that are allowed outside access, although there are no specific regulations or guidelines regarding the duration or frequency of this access. The meaning of free range can vary among different countries. In the US, it typically means that hens are allowed to roam outside for a certain period before being locked up at night. The amount of time hens can freely roam can vary among different farms.
What is the difference between Cage Free and Free Range?
– Cage free indicates that hens are not caged and can live in an open space, regardless of its size.
– Free range refers to hens that are given outside access for some time before being locked up at night.
– Both labels indicate that hens have been kept in more humane conditions.
– In some countries, free range refers to a method of raising hens where they freely roam in an open area without being contained in cages.
