I freely admit it, I'm somewhat of a carnivore. My partner and eldest daughter don't eat red meat and my youngest daughter could quite happily live without any sort of meat. Dining in our household could be seen as a bit of a challenge, but we all make compromises. For instance, I eat vegetables :).

What we do eat a *lot* of is chicken. I hate to think how many of these creatures we consume a year and I'm not permitted to ponder that out loud, under threat of chicken disappearing off the table too. The best compromise we've come up with is to eat free range chicken that has been slaughtered humanely.

Unfortunately, it is by no means cheaper than "normal" chicken, but given other items we save on we spend the extra cash to somewhat alleviate our conscience.

The image we have in mind when we purchase free range chicken is of happy hens strolling around a lovely field eating to their hearts content without a care in the world... until of course they hit the chopping block (that last bit is the part my family doesn't like to dwell on too much).

It turns out the the term "free range" can be rather loosely applied in many countries. The birds may still be debeaked and while not in cages, only have a square foot or so to move around in. They are crammed into sheds in the thousands and although they have access to the outside, it's only the chickens close to the door that can get out. Even if they do have external access, it's often to enclosures that are covered in gravel with no plant material or worse still, just mudbaths mixed with old droppings.

For free range egg laying birds, they are often still subject to malnutrition to increase profitability and live in eternal daylight in order to stimulate egg formation.

So, before you pay out extra money for your free range chicken and eggs, learn more about the farm they come from. You may be in for a bit of a shock. Criteria that your free range chicken and eggs should meet:

These include:
• Clean housing and shelter from the elements
• Protection from predators
• No antibiotic use
• No growth hormones
• Natural foods + addition of vitamins and minerals only as required
• The land must have shade, shelter and palatable, sustainable vegetation
• No mutilation of beaks and claws
• Humane slaughter in the case of meat birds

I can really understand some groups pushing for veganism; although I don't believe I'll ever become one. However, I would like to think that the animals I consume have not been tortured.

What are your thoughts. Have any added tips relating to free range chicken and eggs you'd like to share? Do so below :)