Those of us with backyard chickens know our hens are happy foraging abut the garden.

Hilda at the Jan Juc Surf Farm hen house

Sure, many like my my girls are in a fully enclosed run, but they have a lemon tree, clean straw, dirt for having a bath in and fresh air and sunshine on tap (weather permitting).

The eggs these happy hens produce are delicious and our friends and families love the taste and he fact they are from animals treated with kindness and respect.

Now the consumer advocate group CHOICE has called on the Egg Corporation to reconsider its planned 13-fold increase in hen stocking densities for eggs it certifies as free range and instead work with government, animal welfare and consumer groups on a national standard that would meet consumer expectations.