Organic, free-range or cage-free hen eggs – what’s the difference?

Do you know the difference between the different labels attached to eggs these days? I have to say when companies label food it should be simple, clearly explained and no hidden agendas, but that isn’t the case most of the time. Luckily for me, I have 3 lovely hens who lay my eggs, so I know exactly what they have been fed, how they are being raised and I know exactly how old the eggs are that I am eating. Is there a difference? Definitely. Below I will explain about the different labels and how the different lives the hens lead brings about a slightly different egg being produced.

Organic eggs – These hens are organically reared with the highest potential standards of animal welfare. The eggs are laid completely by free-range hens who behave naturally, are not beak tipped and access a far greater outdoor space than any other chickens (they must be able to access a minimum of 10 square metres of outside space). In the UK, the way to guarantee your eggs have not been laid by beak trimmed hens is to guarantee that they are certified by the Soil Association.

Free Range eggs - Free range hens have unlimited daytime access to their runs, vegetation and have at least 4 square metres per bird of outdoor space. At night the hens are kept in barns or coops which have bedding and perches. However, surprisingly there is no limit on the size of a flock and even though these hens have access to the outdoors many of them don’t always use it. Dependent on the free-range producers, the welfare standards for these birds can vary, so it is important to know where your eggs are coming from!

Cage-free eggs - In January 2012 cramped battery cages became prohibited due to the horrendous conditions hens were found in. However 'modified' cages have been allowed, although many say these are not much better than before. These 'enriched' cages are deemed to have slightly more room for the hens to move around in as opposed to the previous battery cage hens. Although the chickens ability to be able to lead a normal life and move around naturally - is a lot to be desired for.

Up until owning my own chickens I would always purchase free range eggs due to the perceived 'better lifestyle'. However doing my research I found that this is not actually the case (as you have read above). Thankfully I have 3 beautiful chickens who I provide water and feed to, provide love and attention to and who lead their lives naturally. They come and go as they please in their chicken coop and roam around in the outdoor space without a care in the world. My two little boys love the chickens and find it exciting to go and feed them, stroke hem and hunt for eggs in the 'chickens house'. To ensure my sons grow up understanding where food comes from as well as understanding the importance of natural, organic and sustainable eating I want to support their knowledge in growing by them learning in a kinaesthetic way. I want my boys to appreciate where their food comes from and the effort it has taken to get it to the final product. My eldest son always says 'thank you chickens' when he retrieves eggs because he understands that it is a gift we have been given - not a right.

Please think about the eggs that you are buying and the conditions the hens have been kept in. Don't be blinded by 'free-range' slogans, because free-range doesn't necessarily mean the happy 'free' lifestyle we picture in our heads for them - I know, I'll admit I was one of these people! Please think before you buy.