Can I call my chickens free range?

[skeezix05]

I have what I think classifies as free range but you tell me. I rotate my dogs and chickens. The chickens are out between 2:30-8:30 then put themselves back in. Dogs before and after then. Can I say they are free ranged? Also I've read about DE do they need it since they have access to dirt outside? Do they really need anything else??

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have what I think classifies as free range but you tell me. I rotate my dogs and chickens. The chickens are out between 2:30-8:30 then put themselves back in. Dogs before and after then. Can I say they are free ranged? Also I've read about DE do they need it since they have access to dirt outside? Do they really need anything else??

Why are you wanting to label them as such - are you wanting to market your eggs as being from "free range hens" or just wanting to know how to describe your management of your flock? Your approach would be best described as "limited free range time" with secure containment the rest of the time. Six hours of time spent out and about is not full-time free ranging.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine are free range, go where they want when they want, they are not limited, I have never used DE, never plan to, I personally think it's nasty stuff, mine dust bathe in a hollow they dig in some dry dirt, usually with some old donkey droppings mixed in.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I have what I think classifies as free range but you tell me. I rotate my dogs and chickens. The chickens are out between 2:30-8:30 then put themselves back in. Dogs before and after then. Can I say they are free ranged? Also I've read about DE do they need it since they have access to dirt outside? Do they really need anything else??

Legally, and in reality, if you open the door on the hen house for a brief time during the day then step aside, your hens are free range. They just didn't decide to avail themselves of the brief opportunity to freerange.

 

[snow5164]

I've wondered that too , my coop door never closes so can I sell free range eggs?? Strange how some words have become so important . We will also have a few dexters in the fall and can't decide if we have to get their calves registered some day.... How important is that paper to a customer?? They can be pure breed without it

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Free ranged is access to the outdoor, or it's no fencing, it is used a lot without a proper definition.

 

[skeezix05]

I am asking because I will be selling the eggs and also many people have just asked (since they are friends and know i am just starting) and I'm not quite sure the answer.
I have a run also. They are in the run while our dogs are out. I don't want to take a chance with the dogs.I don't understand free range in a building though.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would call yours free ranged, and tell them they are from happy chickens. Large producers will house hundreds of birds in large sheds, that's cage free, sorry I mixed up my terms, free range means access to the outdoors.

 

[snow5164]

Also I've read about DE do they need it since they have access to dirt outside? Do they really need anything else??

I love DE is is basically small organisms crushed up, I add it to their dry feed, sprinkle in on window sills and by doorways to keep bugs and flys away and its is sprinkled on their roost and ramp to help dry the poop. You will find two sides to DE some love it and some hate it and see no use for it. It is cheap and when you buy Food Grade it has many applications. Good luck reading up on it

!

 

[MeepBeep]

The USDA definition of 'Free Range' means the meat birds have access to the outdoors, it does not specify a duration, the amount of space or even the type of ground they have access to... So opening the door for 5 minutes and letting them peck on the cement sidewalk (if one bothers to come out at all) would technically fulfill the legal requirements of free range for every bird in the coop whether they came out or not... Also note this is only in regards to 'meat' birds and doesn't legally apply to laying hens or the eggs...

Basically as far as eggs are concerned 'free range' means absolutely nothing, beyond the warm fuzzy feeling it gives some people...

So fee free to call yours free range, they likelly have more 'free range' then most commercial hatcheries birds do...