Contrast between idyllic free-range and cramped poultry farming conditions.

Happy Chickens, Happy Plate? Unveiling the Truth About Free-Range Poultry

Soraya Malik in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive into a groundbreaking study assessing the welfare of free-range chickens and discover how ethical farming impacts your food choices."

In a world increasingly conscious of ethical food choices, the term 'free-range' conjures images of chickens roaming idyllic pastures, a stark contrast to the crowded conditions often associated with industrial farming. This perception has fueled a surge in demand for alternatively raised poultry, with consumers seeking not only healthier but also more humanely produced options. But how well do these free-range systems truly deliver on their promise of improved animal welfare?

While the market for organic and alternatively raised products continues to expand, genuine scientific insights into the welfare of these animals remain limited. It's easy to assume that free-range automatically equates to a better life for chickens, but without rigorous evaluation, we risk perpetuating misconceptions and potentially overlooking critical welfare concerns.

This article explores a detailed study that uses the Welfare Quality® protocol, a standardized assessment tool, to evaluate the well-being of free-range broiler chickens on farms in Paraná, Brazil. By examining various indicators, from physical health to emotional state, we aim to provide a clearer understanding of the realities of free-range poultry farming and its impact on animal welfare.

Decoding the Free-Range Chicken Life: What the Study Reveals

Contrast between idyllic free-range and cramped poultry farming conditions.

The study meticulously assessed ten free-range farms, focusing on various aspects of broiler welfare. Data collected included scores for lameness, hock burn, plumage cleanliness, and emotional states, along with prevalence percentages for mortality, culling, and diseases. These metrics were carefully analyzed to paint a comprehensive picture of the chickens' living conditions.

The results showed a mixed bag of positive and negative findings. While some aspects of welfare, such as low lameness and good plumage cleanliness, scored high, other areas like pododermatitis (footpad lesions) and litter quality raised concerns.

High Scores: Low lameness (median score of 81), excellent plumage cleanliness (median score of 100), minimal panting or huddling on the farm.
Areas for Improvement: Prevalence of pododermatitis, litter quality, dust levels, and stocking density in some farms.
Processing Concerns: Issues identified during processing included pre-stun shock and inefficient stunning.

These findings underscore the complexity of free-range farming. Simply providing outdoor access doesn't guarantee optimal welfare. Factors like pasture management, housing design, and processing practices all play a critical role in ensuring a good quality of life for the birds. Moreover, significant variations were observed between farms, highlighting the need for tailored welfare strategies.

Making Informed Choices: What Does This Mean for Consumers?

This study serves as a reminder that labels like 'free-range' are not a guarantee of perfect animal welfare. As consumers, we have the power to drive positive change by demanding greater transparency and accountability from the poultry industry. By supporting farms committed to implementing best practices, we can contribute to a more ethical and sustainable food system. Further research and ongoing monitoring are essential to continuously improve the lives of free-range chickens and ensure that their well-being remains a top priority.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1516-635x1603297-306, Alternate LINK

Title: Evaluation Of Free-Range Broilers Using The Welfare Quality® Protocol

Subject: Animal Science and Zoology

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Eco Sans, Jf Federici, F Dahlke, Cfm Molento

Published: 2014-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What does 'free-range' actually mean for chickens?

Free-range refers to a farming practice where poultry, such as broiler chickens, have access to the outdoors. It's significant because many consumers believe it's a more ethical and humane way to raise animals compared to conventional industrial farming. However, simply labeling poultry as free-range doesn't guarantee high welfare standards, as the actual living conditions and treatment can vary widely between farms.

What is the Welfare Quality® protocol and why is it important for assessing animal welfare?

The Welfare Quality® protocol is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate animal welfare on farms. It's important because it provides a consistent and objective way to measure various indicators of well-being, such as physical health and emotional state. By using such protocols, we can gain a clearer understanding of the actual living conditions of free-range chickens and identify areas where improvements are needed.

What does it mean if broiler chickens experience 'lameness,' and what are the implications?

Lameness in broiler chickens refers to the difficulty or inability to walk properly, often due to leg problems. The study showed low lameness scores on the free-range farms that were assessed, which is a positive indicator of welfare. Reduced mobility can severely impact a chicken's ability to access food, water, and shelter, leading to further health issues and reduced quality of life.

What is pododermatitis and why is it a concern for free-range chickens?

Pododermatitis, also known as footpad lesions, is an inflammation of the footpad in chickens. The prevalence of pododermatitis was an area of concern in the free-range farms evaluated. It's important because these lesions can cause pain and discomfort, impacting the chicken's ability to walk and move freely. Factors like poor litter quality and wet conditions can contribute to the development of pododermatitis.

Why is 'plumage cleanliness' an important factor in assessing the welfare of chickens?

Plumage cleanliness refers to the condition of a chicken's feathers, with clean and well-maintained plumage being an indicator of good welfare. The study found excellent plumage cleanliness among the free-range chickens assessed, suggesting that they had adequate space and opportunities for natural behaviors like dust bathing. Poor plumage can indicate overcrowding, poor hygiene, or health problems.