Are the terms "grass fed" & "free range" interchangable?

[girl81]

Are the terms "grass fed" & "free range" interchangable?

I'm trying to find local grass-fed chicken and eggs. I've seen chicken in my store that claims to be "raised on a vegetarian diet" but a vegetarian diet could include grains so I don't know why they're even advertising that (unless to fool unsuspecting customers).
Any advice/insights?

[Krique]

Doesn't free range mean they go outside for a certain percentage of their lifetime instead of only being caged?

[RuckstaR]

Originally Posted by girl81

Are the terms "grass fed" & "free range" interchangable?

I'm trying to find local grass-fed chicken and eggs. I've seen chicken in my store that claims to be "raised on a vegetarian diet" but a vegetarian diet could include grains so I don't know why they're even advertising that (unless to fool unsuspecting customers).
Any advice/insights?

No they are not interchangable.

Free range chickens are let to roam around a given area for their lives, for the most part doing what they please, but also, eating what they please. This generally means an inconsistent and uncontrolled diet, which is perfectly healthy, however it can change the flavour of eggs etc. and can also means you never really know what they ate. Again, not saying this is a bad thing, just in regard to your question, it is a problem.

Grass fed chickens are diet controlled. They eat only grass, however that does not mean, or even hint that they are necessarily free range; they are mostly likely not free range in order to control diet.

[lorinelise]

Good luck finding 100% grass-fed chicken. Poultry can't be raised eating JUST grasses.

[RuckstaR]

Originally Posted by lorinelise

Good luck finding 100% grass-fed chicken. Poultry can't be raised eating JUST grasses.

You are right, there is no such thing as a 100% grass fed chicken (its not possible/controllable nor terribly healthy) but grass fed, diet controlled chicken products are available. OP would just have to accept the variation in diet that will still likely occur.

[girl81]

Originally Posted by lorinelise

Good luck finding 100% grass-fed chicken. Poultry can't be raised eating JUST grasses.

I should have said grass and insects found in the grass.
I think the correct term is "pastured chicken".

[joemauro]

I was under the impression chickens never ate just grass to begin with, unlike cows.