What Are Barn-Laid Eggs?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Barn-Laid Eggs?
Barn-laid eggs, sometimes also called cage-free eggs, are produced in a farming system that allows the hens to wander freely within a shed.
How Are Barn-Laid Eggs Produced?
Barn-laid eggs are laid by hens that are housed in large, climate-controlled sheds without cages. The hens are able to roam freely within the shed, socialising and perching, without the threat of outdoor predators or exposure to the elements.
What's the Difference Between Free Range and Barn-Laid Eggs?
The main difference between barn and free range is that in a free range system, hens are given the opportunity to roam outdoors during daylight hours, whereas barn hens are kept indoors at all times.
Are Barn-Laid or Cage-Free Eggs More Expensive?
Barn-laid eggs are cheaper than free range but more expensive than cage eggs.
What Are Some Advantages of Barn-Laid Eggs?
- Hens are protected from the threat of predators and the outdoor elements
- Hens are able to move freely inside the shed
- Hens can enjoy increased social interaction with others in larger flocks
- Furnishings within many barn systems allow hens to practice natural behaviours such as nesting, perching, and dust bathinga
What Are Some Disadvantages of Barn-Laid Eggs?
- A greater occurrence of manure-borne diseases and parasites
- Greater difficulty identifying and treating sick hens
- A higher likelihood of injury among the flock due to feather-pecking and infighting
- A less stable pecking order due to the size of the flock