Making Sense of Egg Labels

What does 'meaningful access to an outdoor range' mean?

According to the new information standard, meaningful access to the range does not mean that the birds have to actually go outside.  It is only necessary to give the hens access points so that they could go out.  When very large sheds (as pictured above) are only required to provide 2 metres of space for every 1,000 birds to exit the shed, and it only needs to be 35cm high, it is no wonder not many of the hens make it outside, even if they wanted to.

There are many reasons that a hen will choose not to go outside and they all relate to management of the birds and their environment.  Chickens that are raised indoors are not trained to use popholes and fear what is outside.  The environment offered in the range is often bare and uninviting so the hens prefer the safety of what is known to them - an enclosed shed that is also the only place for them to find food and water.  Birds destined to live their lives as free range hens should be trained to use perches, be used to sunshine and generally prepared for the environment they will be introduced to.  At present, it only seems that the hen's fear of the unknown and limited access requirements to the outdoors are being exploited.

The Free Range Egg Information Standards states that:

"The definition is access based so that producers are not required to ensure that hens go outside during daylight hours every day across the laying cycle but are required to provide conditions which encourage access to and use of the range."

Pastured Egg Standards

Here you will find the PROOF Core Values and Pastured Egg and Poultry Standards

Ask for PROOF when you buy Free Range Eggs

Ask for PROOF when you buy free range eggs to ensure that they have been raised on pasture and in a farming environment that meets your expectations.

Look for the PROOF Licensee Logo!  Our farmers follow our Core Vales:

•  All animals are able to range in open fields or paddocks**
  
• All animals are kept at stocking densities that will ensure access to forage and grazing; in the case of layer hens, shall not exceed 1,500 per hectare
  
• Densely confined production systems and feed lotting are not permitted
• All animals are able to interact with their herd or flock and to carry out natural behaviours
• Animals will not be kept in cages, stalls or crates
  
• All animals will be protected from predation
  
• Animals will be fed to meet their welfare needs as well as production requirements
  
• Surgical treatments that inflict unnecessary pain are not permitted
  
•  All animals will be inspected by the producer on a daily basis
  
• Pastured production should be environmentally, economically and socially sustainable