Yes I am sure all organic chickens are free range but they can be free range without being organic and that's the bit I am concerned about :).

What does free range without being organic mean?

We don't have chickens (yet) but free range is just about the amount of space they have and the access to the ourdoors, but organic will affect the food, and medication, I think, that they can be given.

>What does free range without being organic mean?

It means free range.............................without being organic :D
As Ridgelover says free range means they have to have a certain amount of space and access to outdoors in daylight hours.  Organic means they have to be fed an organic diet and not treated prophylactically with antibiotics.  I don't eat organic food myself.  I think we have sufficient regulations governing what level of fertilisers and preservatives that ensure they are within safe levels and I don't think chickens loose sleep over it :)  I think as long as they are getting fed, whether it is organic or not, I don't think it is a welfare issue as far as their happiness goes.  The antibiotic use is more problematic.  Some non organic producers will argue it is a welfare issue not to use them.  If I didn't buy free range I would be more concerned than I am but the breeds generally sold as free range are of a slower growing type so, probably, less likely to be given prophylactic antibiotics as a growth promoter.

I try to eat some organic things (not necessarily referring to meat eating but say, milk, carrots, etc!) as it benefits the wildlife, ecosystems etc... ;)

Lindsay
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It may do but on the other hand there are a great deal tighter regulations in place now on when and where pesticides and fertilisers can be used to protect the environment too and, personally, I think that is the way to go ie use these things in moderations and when it is shown as safe to do so.