Free-range describes farm animals — most commonly hens, but also pigs, poultry, and cattle — that are kept with meaningful access to the outdoors, free to move about, forage, and behave naturally rather than confined continuously in cages, batteries, or pens. For eggs and meat, the term is legally defined in many countries, with standards covering stocking density, outdoor access, and housing conditions; products from such systems may carry certification labels. Consumers buy free-range for perceived welfare, taste, and ethical reasons, and typically pay a premium. Producers balance the welfare and marketing benefits against higher land, feed, and disease-control costs. The label’s credibility depends on inspection and enforcement of the underlying standards.