Free range v barn reared, grain fed

[cornflakegirl]

I try to buy only free-range meat, and I'd like to buy meat from a local butcher rather than the supermarket. I just emailed a butcher who was recommended to me about whether they sell free range meat. They have replied: "All the chicken on our internet site is barn reared grain fed which i feel is as good as free range." I feel this probably isn't true - any thoughts?

I think you are right. I wouldn't buy any eggs (don't eat meat) except free range, organic.

There can be thousands of them crammed into a barn so no it isn't as good. I'd prefer the chickens to have as natural diet as possible too.

That's what I figured. Thanks.

Anything can be called a barn except for the cages used in batteries. Free range birds have a certain amount of floor space per bird by law, and have to have access to the outside (some farmers think this is a bit daft as 99% of the birds never seem to want to go outside, but I figure the extra space for the birds is what you're paying for).