What is the defining characteristic of free-range chickens?

Free-range chickens are defined by their ability to roam freely outside of a hen house or coop, which allows them to engage in natural behaviors and access outdoor areas for foraging. This freedom is a significant factor in the welfare of the chickens, as it enables them to move about, explore, and exhibit instinctual behaviors that contribute to their overall health and well-being.

The requirement that free-range chickens not be confined to a hen house or coop sets them apart from other forms of poultry farming, such as battery-caged chickens, which are kept in restrictive environments. The outdoor access that free-range chickens have is crucial to their classification and is often associated with higher animal welfare standards. This practice can also influence the quality of the eggs produced, as outdoor access can lead to healthier birds and potentially better nutritional profiles in their eggs.

In contrast, options that suggest confinement to a hen house or being fed a specific type of feed do not align with the free-range philosophy, as these characteristics would not permit the natural roaming behavior that defines free-range farming. Additionally, raising chickens in crowded conditions contradicts the principles of free-range practices, which emphasize space and freedom of movement for each bird.