"free range"--let's get rid of this nonsense term

[Krugerrand]

We're talking about semantics here. "Non-cruelty" is a term I think of when raising my chickens. For example: having 100 chickens in a 10x10 space and stating they're free range or cruelty free is certainly not true, it's cruel (imo) to manage a flock in that way.

When they are outside of their safety net, I consider it free ranging. Mostly because they are more susceptible to predators. Many of us have to place limitations on our chickens' roaming space for a variety of reasons.

Here's the problem ... no matter what term you come up with, it just won't work. Either the FDA will turn around and say your term is no good and stop you from using it, or the corporate farmers will instruct the FDA to assign the term to mean what they already do, so the term will be rendered meaningless.

The only way around that is to have a private certifying body that attests to a specified standard. There are things out there such as "Certified Humane" by A Greener World, or "Animal Welfare Certified" by Global Animal Partnership. However, some of these are somewhat bogus, too. And, there are costs imposed upon farmers to achieve/maintain the certifications.

Perhaps there could be an independent open standard. That would probably be the best approach. Not sure how the details would get worked out. Would private organizations then certify that the open standards are met?

 

[Carson213]

so, we all agree. "free range" means they are confined to some extent...the chickens aren't completely "free range." in my mind it meant no confinement whatsoever.

 

[Carson213]

so, we all agree. "free range" means they are confined to some extent...the chickens aren't completely "free range." in my mind it meant no confinement whatsoever.

so..."free" range is what it means

 

[Geena]

in my mind it meant no confinement whatsoever.

That's what it used to mean, the term is pretty much meaningless now as people use it to describe chickens roaming around on anything from a tiny city lot to 100s of acres. Basically on here the definition of "free range" is - I let my chickens go out on the grass.

 

[Brooks_]

FWIW, to me free range is vulnerable to predators from dawn to dusk.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Page 10

Living/Raising/Raising Conditions

These claims refer to the environment in which the animals or birds were raised during their lifespan. Examples of this type of claim include but are not limited to: Cage or Crate Free, Free Range**, Not Confined, Free Roaming, Pasture Fed, Pasture Grown, Meadow Raised, and Pasture Raised. NOTE: For all of the above claims, additional terminology is necessary on the label to define its meaning on livestock products and to convey that the animals were never confined to a feedlot. Because FSIS has not defined these claims in the regulations or policy guidelines, nearly all living/raising conditions claims need to describe the standards used to define that claim as applied to that particular product, e.g., “Cage free. Chickens were never confined to cages during raising.” The information must appear with the claim or be connected by a symbol on the same panel on which the claim appears. As an alternative, these living/raising claims can be certified by a third-party certifying organization that posts its standards for defining the claim on its website. If the claim is certified by a third-party certifying organization, FSIS will not approve the label bearing the claim if it does not include the certifying entity’s name, website address, and logo, when the organization has a logo. An asterisk or other symbol must connect the claim to this information.

**Based on consultations with AMS, FSIS determined that additional terminology is not needed on the label for the claim Free Range or synonymous claims (“Free Roaming,” “Pasture Fed,” Pasture Grown,” “Pasture Raised,” and “Meadow Raised”) on poultry products. However, for FSIS to approve these claims, additional documentation must be submitted to substantiate the claim. Specific details about what additional information is needed is provided below.

Documentation needed:
1. A detailed written description explaining controls for ensuring that the animals are raised in a manner consistent with the meaning of the raising claim that is valid from birth to harvest or the period of raising being referenced by the claim.
2. A signed and dated document describing how the animals are raised to support that the claims are not false or misleading;
3. A written description of the product tracing and segregation mechanism from time of slaughter or further processing through packaging and wholesale or retail distribution; and
4. A written description of the identification, control, and segregation of nonconforming animals/product.

As part of 1 or 2 above, for the claim Free Range on poultry products, the documentation must describe the housing conditions for the birds and demonstrate continuous, free access to the outside throughout their normal growing cycle. During the winter months in a northern climate, birds are not free range if they stay in poultry housing or coops all winter. Producer documentation to support the use of the claim for birds raised in a northern climate during winter months would also need to describe the housing conditions for the birds and demonstrate continuous, free access to the outside throughout their normal growing cycle.

As part of 1 or 2 above, for the claims Free Roaming, Pasture Fed, Pasture Grown, Pasture Raised, and Meadow Raised on meat or poultry products, documentation that will typically substantiate these claims will show that the animals or birds have continuous, free access to the outdoors throughout their usual grow-out period. For ruminants, this means the entire grazing season for the geographical area. NOTE: See label example

 

[JacinLarkwell]

so, we all agree. "free range" means they are confined to some extent...the chickens aren't completely "free range." in my mind it meant no confinement whatsoever.

No.

every time i hear it i instantly know the person i am dealing with just bought their first chickens.

By far not my first flock.

One of my flocks is actually free ranged about half the day (grow outs in a separate group bow are too). And another flock is technically free range 24/7/365. They could literally walk to Billings if thats what their little hearts desired, but theu don't. They know home is where they're safe and fed and watered, so even with the literal access to just rub away and never bat an eye, they stay.

 

[jolenesdad]

I mean, 1,000 acres of space is a “run”?

 

[AgnesGray]

so, we all agree. "free range" means they are confined to some extent...the chickens aren't completely "free range." in my mind it meant no confinement whatsoever.

Free to range doesn't have to mean all of planet earth.

I wouldn't say chickens are "confined" if the amount of space is sufficient. For example, on an acre or two, mine would never reach the borders because there is plenty for them in the amount of space they have been given to range freely. The boundaries are there for their safety and happiness and they have room to run and fly and enjoy chickening. And if I take more than we need for the chickens, it's decreasing the amount of space for something else (deer, other wildlife). So we take what we need.

 

[Chuckie chicken]

so, we all agree. "free range" means they are confined to some extent...the chickens aren't completely "free range." in my mind it meant no confinement whatsoever.

You mean like free range cattle in India?

Does that mean if I confine them from walking through my bedroom they aren't free range?