> Here in Australia, "free range" hens must be kept at no more that 10,000 head/hectare
Australian "free range" eggs are a scam. When people imagine "free range", they're thinking of chickens walking free in a green meadow, which is nowhere near what actual "free range" chickens get to experience. 10,000 head/hectare is disgusting.
I dont remember what is the requirement in my part of Europe (maybe there is a EU standard?) for free range chickens, but anyway: many years ago a close family friend wanted to start producing free range eggs on his farm. There was a huuuge area (to meet the requirements) fenced that the chickens were free to use, but still very rarely any chicken walked over 15 meters away from their shelter.
Australian "free range" eggs are a scam. When people imagine "free range", they're thinking of chickens walking free in a green meadow, which is nowhere near what actual "free range" chickens get to experience. 10,000 head/hectare is disgusting.
To get what you imagine you're getting with "free range", you need to buy pastured chickens and eggs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=can8xFpZKRs