Farmers are blaming a push to free-range for Australia’s worsening egg shortage. 

Coles supermarkets have introduced a two-carton purchase limit as supplies dwindle in the cold weather.

Industry experts say winter has added to strain on the nation’s production capacity brought on by worker shortages and rising production costs.

Lower temperatures naturally reduce the laying output of a hen and those in free-range or sustainable farming systems feel the effects more.

But the RSPCA maintains the correct management of free-range chickens can mitigate this risk.

It comes after many suppliers let their flocks dwindle during the pandemic as restaurant and café closures saw demand for eggs fall.

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