Barn Laid Eggs

Hens in barn systems are free to roam within a shed that is designed to keep them clean and healthy. About 5% of eggs sold in Australia are barn laid eggs.

Hens in this system have the following welfare advantages:

Protection from the elements and predators.
Although they do not have access to an outdoor range, hens in this system can move around freely.
Housing in larger groups allows more social interaction with other birds.
Furnishings in the barn allow hens a greater behavioural repertoire including nesting, perching and dust-bathing.

Disadvantages include:

Greater occurrence of manure-borne diseases and parasites.
Larger flock sizes make it more difficult to identify and remove birds for treatment.
Higher likelihood of feather-pecking, infighting and cannibalism in this system.
Increased risk of flying into objects leading to increased bone breakage during lay.