What Is Free Range Chicken
Free range chicken refers to how chickens are raised, specifically that they have access to outdoor areas as part of their environment. In Australia, the term is used within a defined framework, but it can still vary depending on the farm and how it is managed.
It is not a single standard or product type. Instead, it describes a farming system, one that differs from other methods based on access to space, movement and overall living conditions.
Where Does Most of Australia’s Chicken Come From?
Most chicken in Australia is produced through large scale commercial farming systems.
These systems are designed to supply consistent volumes across the country and are typically more intensive in how birds are raised and managed.
Free range chicken makes up a smaller portion of overall production. While it is widely available, it is not the dominant system within the Australian poultry industry.
What Does Free Range Chicken Mean in Australia?
The free range chicken meaning in Australia is guided by labelling requirements for chicken and broader farming standards in Australia.
At a minimum, free range chickens must have:
- outdoor access for chickens
- access to both barn and outdoor areas
- the ability to move freely
There are also stocking density limits that apply to outdoor areas, although these can vary depending on the producer and any additional certification standards in place.
This means not all free range chicken is identical. The term sets a baseline, but conditions can differ between farms.
How Are Free Range Chickens Raised?
Free range chickens are raised in a combination of indoor and outdoor environments.
They have space to move within barns, as well as access to outdoor areas where they can engage in natural chicken behaviour. This includes foraging and pecking, which are normal behaviours for chickens.
Their diet is typically grain based, and their day to day conditions are shaped by how the farm manages access, space and overall care.
Is All Chicken in Australia Hormone Free?
Yes, all chicken produced in Australia is hormone free chicken by law.
The use of added hormones in poultry is not permitted, regardless of whether the chicken is free range, barn raised or produced through other systems.
This is a common misconception, often driven by marketing language rather than actual differences in production.
Free Range vs Cage vs Barn Raised Chicken
The main difference between these systems comes down to space, movement and access to outdoor areas.
Farming System | Living Conditions | Movement & Behaviour | Outdoor Access |
Cage | Chickens are kept in confined cages | Limited movement, restricted natural behaviour | No |
Barn Raised | Chickens are kept indoors in large sheds | More movement than cages, but still indoors only | No |
Free Range | Chickens have access to both indoor barns and outdoor areas | Greater freedom to move and express natural behaviour like foraging and pecking | Yes |
Is Free Range Chicken Better?
Free range chicken is generally considered the better option, and the difference starts with how the birds are raised and carries through to the final product.
Chickens raised in free range systems have more space, access to the outdoors and the ability to move, perch and behave naturally. This reduces stress and supports healthier birds compared to more confined systems.
That difference in how they are raised shows in the meat. Free range chicken is often leaner, with a more developed flavour and better texture, reflecting a more active animal and a more varied environment.
From a nutritional point of view, it remains a strong source of lean protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals. While values can vary, it is generally seen as a more balanced option as part of a regular diet.
Free range systems also tend to operate with lower stocking densities and a greater focus on land management, which supports more sustainable farming practices overall.
Why Our Cow Sources Free Range Chicken
Our Cow works with farmers who focus on animal welfare and responsible farming practices.
Chickens are raised with outdoor access and space to move, with conditions that allow for natural behaviour. The focus is on how the animals are raised day to day, not just the label applied at the end.
By working directly with farmers, there is greater transparency around sourcing, with a clear understanding of how the product is produced.
This approach prioritises real farming practices and consistent standards, rather than relying on a single definition to communicate quality.
Add Free Range Chicken to your next meat box delivery, and enjoy the best tasting chooks Australia has to offer!