When you hear free range chicken, what comes to mind? Maybe thoughts of open pastures, healthier birds, or mindful farming. But beyond that, what does “free range” truly mean for Ingham’s? And how does Ingham’s free range chicken farming deliver on both animal welfare and exceptional taste? Let’s find out all about it in the blog.
What Is Free Range Chicken?
At its simplest, free range chicken means that poultry is raised with access to the outdoors, rather than being kept exclusively indoors. It gives birds the freedom to express their natural behaviours in a healthier, less stressful environment.
In Australia, a free range farm follows strict standards that include:
- Outdoor access so chickens can roam, peck, and forage.
- Lower stocking densities, meaning fewer birds per square metre, are used to reduce crowding.
- Environmental enrichment, such as perches, litter management, and good ventilation, to improve comfort and well-being.
- Better nutrition oversight, ensuring diets are balanced, clean, and free from added hormones.
With this, chickens are healthier, more active, and less stressed, producing high-quality meat you can trust.
Advantages of Free Range Chickens
Choosing free range chicken in Australia isn’t just about taste; it’s about making a healthier and more responsible choice for both people and the planet. Here are some of the key benefits of free range chicken:
Improved Animal Welfare: Chickens raised in free range settings are able to move around, perch, stretch, and feed. This natural lifestyle reduces stress, encourages exercise, and results in healthier birds compared to those raised in confined spaces.
Better Quality Meat: Birds that move freely and are fed a carefully balanced diet often produce meat that is leaner, juicier, and more flavourful. Whether you’re eating a crispy nugget or a basic roast, you can see the difference on your plate.
Nutritional Advantages: While nutrition can vary, free range chicken is generally a rich source of lean protein. It also contains important vitamins (like B6 and B12) and minerals (like zinc and iron). These make it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
Sustainable Choice: Generally speaking, free range farming emphasises environmental enrichment and lower stocking levels. This approach promotes soil health, reduces waste impact, and supports more sustainable food production.
Consumer Confidence: With certifications like RSPCA Approved and FREPA Standards, free range chicken provides peace of mind that your food has been raised with care, integrity, and transparency.
How Ingham’s Farming is a Model of Responsible Practices
At Ingham’s, free range is embedded in our ethos:
- Holistic animal welfare: Beyond food, water, and shelter, chickens are given room to move, perch, exercise, and interact comfortably.
- Athlete-level nutrition: Just as elite athletes fuel for performance, Ingham’s monitors every aspect of their flock’s diet for optimal health.
- Certified by RSPCA Approved: This external endorsement underscores adherence to best practices, including environmental enrichment, reduced stocking, improved ventilation, and litter care.
- Free Range Egg & Poultry Australia (FREPA) alignment: Promoting low-stress environments with outdoor access.
- Strict biosecurity: Following the National Farm Biosecurity Manual ensures flocks are healthy and disease-free.
- Veterinary oversight: In-house feed mills and vets collaborate closely with farmers to elevate welfare standards.
All this ensures Ingham’s free range chickens are not only raised with compassion but also nourished for quality. It’s a seamless blend of ethics and excellence.
Ingham’s Free Range Product Range
At Ingham’s Australia, we have a collection of free range chickens, which you can enjoy. Below are some of them you can try.
- Ingham’s Free Range Chicken Breast Nuggets 400 g: Crumb-coated Ciabatta nuggets made from 100% Aussie chicken, which is a savoury, easy crowd pleaser. Cook Ingham’s Free Range Chicken Nuggets directly from frozen. Oven bake for around 18 to 20 minutes (preheat to 220°C), turning once for even crispiness.
- Ingham’s Free Range Chicken Breast Fillet With Ciabatta And Parsley Crumb: Simple, no artificial colours/flavours or preservatives, this is perfect for households seeking wholesome convenience. Oven bake at 200 to 220°C for around 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Ingham’s Free Range Hot Roast Chicken: Cooked fresh daily, grab-and-go, using 100% Australian chicken. It is simple and protein-rich, perfect for your family. Comes pre-cooked and ready, ideal for quick meals or adding protein to salads or wraps.
- Ingham’s Free Range Chicken Breast Kyiv Garlic Butter 350g: Indulgent garlic-butter-filled breasts with sourdough crumb, bone-in, and packed with flavour. This product is free of added hormones and is made with 100% Australian chicken. Bake from frozen at 200°C for 40 minutes, then rest for 5 minutes as the filling gets quite hot inside.
Final Thoughts
At Ingham’s Australia, our free range offerings stand out because we back up claims with action:
- Ethics in practice via RSPCA certification and FREPA alignment.
- Biosecurity and nutritional oversight ensure healthy birds and consistently high quality.
- Diverse, delicious products rooted in convenience, all made from Aussie-sourced ingredients and raised with care.
So, when you grab an Ingham’s free range product, you’re not just picking a meal. You’re choosing the best flavour experience from a brand committed to accountability. Grab one of our free range chicken products today and try it out!
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