Free range vs pasture raised vs cage-free – what’s the difference between these types of eggs? Find out how to choose the best eggs and what certified humane eggs are.  

A furry footed buff cochin chiken runs in a backyard while little girls play in the background.

Having kept backyard pet chickens for years, we saw just how social, loving, and fun chickens are. Just like humans, dogs, cats, and cows, chickens have their own personalities. We found it very easy to tell how our hens were feeling at any given moment. They were usually happy and playful, foraging around the yard. 

When you go to the grocery store, you may see a variety of labels on the egg cartons, including “free range,” “cage-free,” and “pasture-raised.” These labels indicate the conditions in which the hens that laid the eggs were raised. Here are some of the key differences between these three types of eggs so that you can make the best choices for your family.