Hens that lay organic eggs are always free range and the main difference between the two systems is the way in which the hens are kept. Organic hens are fed on a diet based on crops which have been grown without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. There are also strict rules about the use of medicine to treat the hens should they fall ill.

Another major difference between free range and organic is that flock sizes are smaller and the birds have to have more space within the house under organic rules. Organic houses are often mobile, such as the one pictured, so that they can be moved to fresh pasture between flocks.