Free range meat birds

I came across a farm in Hertfordshire the other day. It had been raining most of the day and late afternoon the sun came out and saw a field with loads of white hens, sitting under farm machinery or trees for shade, consorting with each other in small groups and looking generally contented. I went up to the hen house which was like a big plastic tunnel with quite a lot of birds in there. There would be no problem about the hens being bullied into staying in as the door was open and it was the width of the house.

I was told the farmer does not sell to supermarkets, only upmarket London restaurants.

What puzzled me was that they were truly free range, no protection from foxes if one happened to visit during the day. No fences, electric or otherwise and open to the tow path along the river and woods at the top of the hill.

The turkeys - different breeds for different sizes in order to all be ready for Christmas at the required weight - were all in their enclosures although some were perched on the open entrance. They were fascinating as they all had their heads at the same angle to watch us as we watched them.