There was a time when we had difficulties sourcing all-natural eggs and not only that, but we could not keep up with demand. We even went so far as to invest in an egg farm and to help a group of local farmers make a living from this. Unfortunately it did not have a happy ending. Fast forward a number of years and here we are, with egg choices.
A while back, we were fortunate enough to meet an animal farm owner who is dedicated to farming with love and concern for both her animals and the environment and ultimately; the end consumer. This is the kind of farmer we love to meet. For a few years now we have been selling her eggs, they have now been certified organic by USDA and EU. Needless to say, they are cage free. But what is more of the good news: now we have the option to also buy and sell cage free eggs that are not certified organic, but still natural and safe to eat. The hens are not given hormones and antibiotics and are enjoying an all-natural diet. These eggs are from the same farm.
For those readers who have been with us from the beginning, you will know that we love organic (true organic) but truth be told, we have more than one love! We also love all things natural – food does not necessarily have to be certified organic by larger corporations (although it gives us a guaranteed standard) to be good food as long as there are no chemicals or other nasties used in any part of the process – this is the case with our new eggs. Join us in exploring a bit about these eggs.
Cage-free eggs come from hens that are not confined to small cages, allowing them to roam freely within a barn or a designated area. This environment provides the hens with the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors like nesting, perching, and dust bathing, leading to healthier and happier birds.
From a farmer’s perspective, transitioning to cage-free egg production involves significant changes in housing systems and management practices. While cage-free systems require more initial investment and operational costs compared to conventional caged systems, they can lead to improved hen welfare and potentially higher consumer demand and premium prices for cage-free eggs. Farmers need to adapt to new regulations, invest in infrastructure modifications, and implement different management techniques to ensure the well-being of the hens and maintain production efficiency. Overall, farming cage-free eggs can offer farmers the opportunity to align with evolving consumer preferences for more ethical and sustainable food production practices.
Cage-free eggs are often perceived to have potential nutritional benefits over conventional eggs due to the improved welfare conditions of the hens. While the nutritional content of cage-free eggs may not differ significantly from conventional eggs in terms of protein, vitamins, and minerals, some studies suggest that cage-free eggs could have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of cholesterol. These differences are attributed to the varied diets and lifestyles of cage-free hens, which can impact the composition of the eggs they produce.
Consuming cage-free eggs can align with ethical concerns about animal welfare in the food industry. By choosing cage-free eggs, you support a more humane and sustainable approach to egg production, where hens are provided with space to move around, express natural behaviours, and lead healthier lives.
Cage-free egg production is often considered better for the environment compared to conventional caged systems due to several reasons. In cage-free systems, hens have more space to move around and engage in natural behaviours, which can lead to reduced stress and healthier birds. This healthier environment may require fewer antibiotics and result in lower disease rates, decreasing the need for medication use in the flock. Additionally, cage-free systems can have lower environmental impacts in terms of waste management, as the birds have more space to move and their waste is distributed more evenly, potentially reducing issues related to waste accumulation. Furthermore, some cage-free systems incorporate sustainable practices like using renewable energy sources or implementing eco-friendly waste management systems, contributing to overall environmental sustainability.
