We are receiving a new flock of chickens this weekend! As a member of our CSA you can order a dozen of eggs to be included in your weekly share, we also have the eggs available for purchase at our farmer’s market locations.
We have four different breeds of chickens here: Ameracauna, Cuckoo Maran, Turkens and Pearl Leghorns. The chickens here at the farm are free-range. True free-range chickens are out wandering around on the grass picking up bugs and all the things that you find in the backyard. The eggs are collected daily. Free-range eggs have 1/3 less cholesterol, 1/4 less saturated fat, 2/3 more Vitamin A, 2x more omega 3 fatty acids, 3x more vitamin E, and 7 x more beta carotene. The eggs come in a variety of colors and the yolks are bright orange in color. The chickens eat organic soy-free feed in addition to all the goodies they pick up outside.
They are never kept in a cage. Anytime during the day they have free access to go in their chicken coop and wander around in the grass and sunshine here on the farm!
Why do we choose certified organic feed?
We are supporting organic farmers in other parts of the country, who are also choosing to keep herbicides and synthetic pesticides off of their land. It means that the acres used to grow the peas, corn and other grains are not being fertilized with ammonium nitrate. It means that the processors are not fumigating the grains with Aluminium Phosphide, a common grain fumigant. Certified organic feeds are always made using non-genetically modified crops.
Does it cost a more to do it this way? Yes. Is it worth it? We think so.
Check out this chart that compares certified organic to Non-GMO, borrowed from New Country Organics (the source of our feed).