Free-range labelling guarantees outdoor access but not necessarily good welfare; range quality, stocking density, and breed choice significantly affect whether free-range actually delivers welfare benefits.
The free-range label has been criticised as welfare-washing when applied to fast-growing conventional breeds with limited range use due to musculoskeletal problems. True welfare benefit from outdoor access depends on the ability and motivation of birds to use the range — which requires breeds capable of active locomotion, ranges with adequate shelter and enrichment, and stocking densities that don't overwhelm available resources. Higher-welfare free-range production requires combining outdoor access with welfare-appropriate breeds.