If only 15 percent of chickens in England choose to leave the chicken house if given the opportunity, I can only guess that they don’t like the weather or there is nothing outside for them. About 80 percent of our flock is out of the house all the time, eating grubs, grain, etc. As for the validity of “free range”, “cage free”, “organic” and such, I would agree with you, that if possible, visit the farm. As goofy as it sounds, happy chickens are healthy chickens, but personal visits disspell any concerns. Keep in mind, “Small is Beautiful.”
Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Board, Dick, glad to have you with us.
When you start a thread, it’s helpful to others if you provide a link to the column that you’re commenting on. Saves searching time and helps keep everyone on the same page (so to speak.) In this case: Are “cage free” chickens really better?
Not a big deal, you’ll know for next time. Welcome!