It is so difficult to choose non-cruelty eggs. Most companies these days have all three types of eggs- cage, barn & free range. Personally, I am of the belief that even if you do purchase free range eggs from a company that also sells caged eggs then you’re still supporting cruel practices.

So I have started to do a bit of research into the matter. Please do add your comments, thoughts and suggestions.

The easiest way to choose chook friendly eggs is to look for either of these symbols:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accredited organic eggs have a standard that they must adhere to. Here’s an excerpt from the FRFA’s website (see whole site here)

Preface  – This document defines the FRFA Inc. accreditation requirements

Part A – HOUSING  

1. Hens must have permanent access to weatherproof housing with either slatted, mesh or deep litter floors that contain sufficient perches to enable normal roosting for all birds.

2. Stocking density in housing shall not exceed 15 kg per square metre of useable area.

 3. Maximum flock numbers per house shall not exceed 1,000  hens. 

Part B – FEEDING

1. The use of growth promotants and hormones is not permitted.

2. Clean dry feed comprising only natural products, grains and natural sources of vitamins and minerals must be used. If meat by-products are included in the diet they must be heat treated. No manufactured colouring additives are be included in the feed.

Part C – FREE RANGE RUN. 

 1. The maximum stocking density must be sustainable and in any case not exceed 750 hens per hectare. 

 2. Hens must have unrestricted access to the free-range run during daylight hours.  3.The area where the hens are permitted to range shall have adequate shade/wind/predator protection and be capable of long-term sustainability with adequate natural ground cover. If vegetation disappears under adverse seasonal conditions then alternative natural range is to be implemented until ground cover can be re-established and/or supplementary green feed must be provided

Part D – HUSBANDRY PRACTICES.  

1. All bird mutilation practices are unnecessary at the allowed stocking densities and are prohibited. (Beak trimming, etc) 

2. Under extreme temperature conditions the hens must have access to cool drinking water and other “keep cool” types of environmental relief. 

Part E – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.  

 1. All accredited farms must be able to demonstrate compliance with all State and National regulations regarding egg collection, cleaning, candling, packaging, labelling, storage and transport. In particular, farms must comply with temperature and hygiene provisions of the Shell Egg Code and Food Safety Victoria. 

2. Audit trail records are mandatory for all eggs stored, sold and/or interchanged between accredited farms. This association does not allow packaged/unpackaged hen eggs produced by other systems and unaccredited members to be brought onto, held or distributed by its accredited farms.

3. Age dated vaccination certificates are required to Victorian Regulations.  

 

One brand that is readily available from Coles is Family Homestead free range eggs

And another brand that is sold at my local markets and at my local healthfood store is Freeranger. Before I had my chooks these were the only eggs I would buy- I can vouch that they are fantastic eggs.

 

If hen welfare is not enough to convince you to put the extra effort into purchasing accredited organic and free range eggs, here are some interesting results from a study showing that pasture chooks lay eggs that are in fact better for you.

In short, it was found that eggs laid by hens who roam in pastures may have:

• 1/3 less cholesterol

• 1/4 less  saturated fat

• 2/3 more vitamin  A

• 2 times more omega-3 fatty  acids

• 3 times more vitamin E

• 7  times more beta carotene

 

So, anyone out there have any other brands that they recommend? Or brands that they’re not sure about? I’m happy to check them out