As farmers explore alternatives to vertically integrated poultry operations, free-range production has grown in popularity despite a lack of standardized definitions and conflicting research. This publication reviews what is known about free-range poultry egg and meat production, examining stressors on alternatively housed birds, advantages and disadvantages for farmers, food quality and food safety distinctions, disease control considerations, and environmental impacts including soil contamination and manure burdens. It aims to support informed discussion of free-range poultry within the context of larger farming systems and the growing niche market.