Shoppers frustrated as free-range birds fly off shelves

Across the country, the words may vary but the message is the same: "Sorry, we've sold out of free-range chicken. We're doing our best to buy some more."

If the nation's grocers had predicted such a change of buying habits, they would have ordered more stock.

As it is, supermarket shelves across the country have been left empty as a result of public's new-found desire to do the right thing. Hundreds of shoppers, frustrated at their inability to find the higher quality birds, have emailed, written or phoned animal rights campaigners to record, and complain about, the shortages. They have taken photo after photo of empty shelves, sometimes with a message from the supermarket.

Visitors to Tesco in Andover on 13 February, for example, went away empty-handed. "Sorry we've been short of free-range chicken since demand rose following Channel 4's farming documentaries," said the note. "We're working hard with our farmers to fix this by early march. Willow Farm is our higher welfare alternative to standard chicken."

In Hastings, Sainsbury's shoppers also received an apology from the store. "Due to higher demand for these chickens we are experiencing a shortage. Everything is being done to resolve this as soon as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience."