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So - what is the definition of a free range chicken

5 replies

Debbiethemum · 24/11/2006 23:53

My aim, especially once I am finally made redundant in Feb (after waiting nearly two years) is to use less meat but more ethically farmed meat.

We have a very good farm shop near us that does the most fantastic beef (run round the fields & then hung for 28 days beef). They also import chicken & pork/pig from another local(ish) farm who supplies every two weeks, first week fresh second week frozen, the chicken is free range. But what does that mean - run around the field or a factory wiith the window open? How do you find out?

It would be very convenient if I could get all my meat from one place, but I do have to persuade dh that it is worthwhile giving meat up for half the week for a better tasting and more ethical choice.

This is also from the woman, when in the farm shop this morning says to her 2.5yr dd, yes we feed the cows, then we eat the cows. I do not have a problem eating meat, but I grew up with the concept of 'growing it' just like any other crop.

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Furball · 25/11/2006 08:05

don't know the answer, but I do know the labelling guidlines are quite flimsey. I've just a shuft around the net and found This info. It might be worth asking the farm where they get their chickens from and ask what their living conditions are like, they should be happy to tell you.

I do know I buy free range chicken from our local butchers and the difference in taste and texture is immense between a cheapo supermarket chicken.

sophy · 25/11/2006 17:30

Ask if you can visit the farm. If they are confident about their animal welfare they should be only too happy to show you around. It's not uncommon.

pointydog · 25/11/2006 17:55

I read a book from teh library a while ago by Joanna Blythman called The Food We Eat and it was very interesting, informative and objective.

She is a respected uk journalist and food writer. I would recommend it.

pointydog · 25/11/2006 17:56

I think that's where I read about the meanings of organic, free range, RSPCA (pretty crap standards surprisingly)

Debbiethemum · 25/11/2006 18:19

Thank you very much for those answers. It sounds like another visit to the farm shop, so I can ask the correct questions about living conditions.

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