Definition of barn-laid eggs
Barn-laid eggs are a type of eggs produced by chickens that are raised in an environment where they have more space to roam (usually in a climate-controlled shed), as opposed to being raised in conventional battery cage systems.
Unlike common cage eggs, barn-laid eggs are produced by chickens that are allowed to engage in more natural behaviours such as dust bathing and perching, leading to a more natural and less stressful environment.
They’re often produced by smaller-scale farmers, who may use more sustainable and ethical farming practices compared to large-scale commercial egg producers.
The result is a product that is perceived to be of higher quality, more nutritious, and more flavourful than conventional eggs.
Summary of barn-laid eggs
- Barn-laid eggs are produced by chickens that aren’t kept in small cages, but in larger spaces (usually climate-controlled sheds)
- Chickens are allowed to engage in natural behaviours such as dust bathing and perching
- As a product, they are often though to be of higher quality, more nutritious, and more flavorful compared to conventional cage eggs.
Are barn-laid eggs more ethical?
According to the RSPCA, 84% of Australians want to end the battery cage production of eggs.
But are barn-laid eggs really more ethical or better for chickens than free-range or cage eggs?
When it comes to eggs, the term “free-range” can evoke images of chickens living in a natural environment, with plenty of room to roam and access to fresh air and greenery. And unsurprisingly, the packaging on these cartons of eggs would support that theory.
But, unfortunately, not all free-range egg farms meet these standards.
Some producers may skimp on providing adequate space, shelter, and vegetation, or overcrowd the outdoor area, leading to less-than-ideal conditions for the hens.
In Australia, the legal definition of “free-range” only requires producers to provide access to an outdoor area with some form of shelter, and an outdoor stocking density of up to 10,000 layer hens per hectare (10,000 sqm).
For reference, the average domestic chicken is around 11.5-18cm wide with a wingspan of 60-90cm.
Barn-laid eggs vs cage eggs and free range
Cage eggs
- Cage eggs make up 40% of supermarket egg purchases in Australia
- Cage eggs come from hens housed in cages inside large, climate-controlled sheds
- Modern structures have multiple tiers, conveyor belts for manure removal
- Sheds have automated feeding, watering, climate control, ventilation, lighting, and egg collection
- Efficient system optimises conditions for bird health and low-cost egg production
- Cage egg farming attracts controversy due to the confinement of hens in cages.
Barn-laid eggs
- Barn-laid eggs come from hens housed in large, climate-controlled sheds without cages
- Hens are able to roam, socialize, and perch freely in the sheds
- Large commercial sheds can be over 100m long and 25m wide, housing up to 30,000 hens
- Sheds are multi-tiered with hard surfaces, organic litter, slats, or wire mesh
Free-range eggs
- Eggs labelled as “free range” must come from hens that can roam and forage outdoors for at least 8 hours per day
- Maximum outdoor stocking density is 10,000 hens per hectare or 1 hen per square meter
- Each egg farm must state its outdoor stocking density on egg cartons
- Free-range hens are free to choose when to go outside and for how long, but may not have easy access to exits
- Some hens go outside as soon as doors open, while others prefer to stay inside
Should you buy barn-laid eggs?
Eggs have many health benefits, like being eggs being a source of iron. Many of the recipes you’ll find online will call for an egg to be used as a binder, or a filler, so they’re super common.
Barn-laid eggs are often viewed as the mid-level of eggs, being more expensive than cage eggs, but cheaper than free-range.
Whether or not you choose to buy barn-laid eggs is entirely up to you! For more information on the types of eggs available, you can visit the Australian Eggs website.
Or, head down to your local farmers’ markets this weekend and ask a stallholder for more information about the types of eggs they sell.
