Free-range farrowing pens allow sows to express more natural behaviour before, during, and after farrowing. The litter size increases as well; however, the rate of piglet crushing increases compared to farrowing crates. Proper management can help reduce crushing. Some of the management techniques include installing a crush bar in front of the nest box, and having an optimal nesting spot. Piglets will choose to lie in the nesting box if it has enough straw and space, is easy to access, and is the right temperature, which will reduce their chance of being crushed. Calm sows with good milk production crush fewer piglets, as do gilts. A gilt that crushes more than 2 piglets should not be re-bred, and replacement litters should be chosen from sows with strong mothering abilities. Farrowing pens allow a cleaner, higher welfare option to farrowing crates, and with proper management can maintain or increase production.