24/05/2026
Did you know there are still Chickens kept in caged conditionings supplying eggs to supermarkets and food outlets?
Majority of chicken farms are either free range / barn raised or pasture ranged and our rescue hens and cockerels have all been from a combination of these.
Free Range and Barn Raised means the hens are allocated a set amount of space each and they can move around from perch to nest box to floor to general areas. It means they can move away from bully hens. They can flap their wings. They can peck the ground and explore.
Pasture Raised means these chickens get to go outside of the barn onto grass - when there isn't bird flu restrictions - so they have access to fields and the barn with nest boxes etc so have choices.
Caged chickens - these are allowed the smallest amount of space per bird which is approximately the size of an A4 sheet of paper. Every day. And that is inside a cage along with numerous other chickens, usually 80-90 in the cage. They cannot move freely, flap their wings, peck the ground. They do now get a nest box with a curtain so they can lay in peace (until other try and get in to peck them!) They become stressed and low on nutrition so they peck each other's feathers for the nutritional benefits. Some become stronger and bully the weaker hens in their cage and sometimes in the cage next to them too.
Yes they lay eggs. Many commercial hens have been created to not go broody but to lay eggs every day as long as there is enough daylight. So they have lights on all year round to ensure they lay every day. Conditions can mean they lay weaker shelled eggs (which can lead to internal and fatal issues when eggs crack internally), weakened bones and lacking immune system.
Your egg box will say if the hens were barn, pasture, free range or caged - take a look at the box you're about to buy if you don't have access to fresh eggs near you where the hens have space, dust baths, swings, fresh food treats like greens and sweetcorn.
We appreciate everyone who passes us back used egg boxes we really do - but I will admit I felt physically sick when I saw the writing on the back of this box. I don't keep track of who gives us what boxes, I'm not trying to shame anyone at all just want to explain that even a box looking pretty with flowers on isn't always what it seems x
Thankyou to every single person who have ever had eggs from our girls and donated to their food and bedding in return. Our chickens, ducks and quail are super appreciative!
