We hear about free-range products all the time, and shopping centres seem to be stocking their shelves and freezers with more and more free-range foods every month – but what exactly does free-range mean?
Basically, free-range describes a method of farming where the animal owners allow their animals to roam around freely for the entire day, or at least a large portion of it.
The best thing about free-range farming is that you can do it from your very own home, as well as get your children involved and educated about its many advantages. Have a look below and find out how you can get involved in this amazing form of farming.
Foster free-range chickens
The best thing about raising these feathered friends is that you can let them wander around your property unchecked, as long as you feed them and build them a hen house. They will lay plenty of delicious eggs for you and your family to collect almost daily. Raising your own chickens will also teach your children to appreciate where their food comes from, helping them realise that the meat that they eat was once an animal – just like these chickens.
Put your new eggs to good use
Once your hens have laid some eggs, wake up bright and early and instruct your kids to head on over to the chicken coop to collect them. Not only will they be excited to be greeted by a heap of freshly-laid eggs, but they can bring theminside to make into a tasty and invigorating breakfast.
Top tip: Use your newly acquired eggs to cook some Spicy Baked Eggs and Beans – a delicious, home made and free-range breakfast that is both hearty and healthy.
Go green – go organic
Free-range and organic go hand-in-hand when it comes to sustainable and healthy living, and creating your own vegetable garden is a lot easier than you’d expect. All that you need is a square box to the size of your choice, soil, and the vegetable seeds that you wish to plant.
Here’s how you can get your kids involved – by letting them take responsibility for their new vegetable garden. This will teach them about taking responsibility for something, and will show them that you can do things like grow your own food and protein without having to spend a fortune at the market.
