Had a great day at the Agency Street Hy-Vee yesterday. THANK YOU BURLINGTON!
Many people were asking questions about terms on egg labels so I thought it would be good to discuss them here.
Natural: Chickens that lay eggs are natural. If nothing is added to the egg after it is laid, it is considered "natural".
Farm Fresh: All places where animals are grown for food are called farms. This includes "factory farms" where chickens are kept in small cages.
Certified Organic: Chickens are fed a certified organic feed, are not caged and have access to sunshine. Usually these birds are in big barns with windows or a small lot where they can go outside for short periods of the day. These birds must be able to nest and perch and inhumane practices like beak cutting are not allowed.
Free Range: Uncaged birds. In a barn with outside access for at least part of the day. Usually a dirt or concrete pen with no grass. No regulations on types of feed or beak cutting. Many small producers use this method of production because it offers a great deal of protection from predators.
Pasture Raised: Birds must have access to pasture. Some producers may limit the amount of time the birds have access to grass each day. Others may use "chicken tractors" - a type of movable pen that has fenced sides and top to protect the birds from predators.
Next post: How our chickens live.
God Bless You All!
~Grama Sue
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