How to Raise Free Range Chickens
Free Range Chickens
By Rhonda Crank
There are two definitions of free-range chickens.
In commercial chicken raising, the USDA says “free range” chickens must be allowed access to some outdoor space. If chickens only have access to a gravel yard, or just spend a few minutes with doors open, they can be called free range birds.
To backyard chicken keepers, “free range” means being allowed outside of a confined area for all or part of the day. Whether within a fenced pasture, a backyard, or out in the open fields, the flock is allowed to move around in nature at will. How far they roam and when you lock them up is relative to where you live, how you live, and what you want for your flock.
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