On a trip to the grocery store this morning, I was faced with the choice of buying eggs. We have the large volume, generic white eggs at $2.49, their brown cousins at $2.99, and some packages labeled Omega-3 (whatever that is) at a higher price.
On the top shelf there are eggs from Free Run chickens, product of Canada, at $4.19, where the hens were apparently not trussed up in cramped quarters and forced to lay, as is common practice in the egg industry from what I understand.
Then there were the Organic eggs, which are not only Free Run, but also certify that the chicken feed did not contain hormones or other nasties, at $5.99.
So for the first time in my life, I chose the higher priced Free Run chicken eggs.
Mollie and I don’t buy a lot of eggs. Perhaps 1 dozen per month, if that? So the extra cost is not going to break the bank, nor is it going to greatly support the Free Run egg industry.
But it will make me feel better about sourcing food from the ethical treatment of animals, and we’ve decided that these are the eggs will buy from now on.
That’s one small step for Glenn, and one giant leap for chickens.
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Free Run eggs may be less expensive in other grocery stores(e.g. Price Choppers). We’ve been buying them for awhile now.
Thanks Gail! At the time, I was sick, tired, and did not want to run across town. I just wanted eggs. But thanks for the tip and make sure to look at the prices when I go to the other stores. –Glenn
I plucked this from an article on eggs and it gives the difference between the types of eggs
“”"Organic
Organic eggs are produced by hens fed certified organic grains, and have the same nutritional content as regular eggs. Check for the “certified organic” designation on the carton along with the name of the certifying organization. The Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia and Pro-Cert Canada have the most humane requirements for egg production systems, according to the Vancouver Humane Society.
Free-Run
Free-run eggs are produced by hens that can move around the floor of the barn. Hens have access to nesting boxes and, quite often, perches.
Free-Range
Free-range eggs are laid in environments similar to free-run eggs, but hens also have access to the outdoors. For that reason, these eggs are seasonally available in Canada, and most come from British Columbia”"”
Back to me.
I think it’s important to note that while more humane than caging, Free run chickens do not get the advantages of, sunlight, fresh air, and fresh natural forage like green plants, bugs etc.
I doubt that eggs from chickens allowed to roam in sawdust and their own filth inside will have any appreciable quality difference from cage eggs. A little exercise will make them happier but a concrete barn floor with bedding is not a natural environment. Free range is the way to go.
This link will take you to a recent article on the nutritional benefits of “free Range” eggs in Mother Earth News,
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Whole-Foods-and-Cooking/2007-10-01/Tests-Reveal-Healthier-Eggs.aspx