The latest Issue of Mother Earth News article Real Free-Range Eggs ? I don't have all the science but I know just by the look and the taste, MY eggs are better than store bought! Bright Orange yoks, firm not slimey whites, and nice smooth, solid shells. True only 2 of my girls are laying "regular sized" eggs and the rest are just "pullet" eggs. (I think they are all 8 laying now) They are just turning 24 weeks but I have one that consistantly lays double yokers!!! The feathered fiends get out to free-range everyday from about noon til dark. Only one neighbor has fussed that they were "messing around in her pine needles". But we have no leash laws for chickens in Gaston County, lol. PS Between work and a broken foot I have been out of circulation, Hope all are doing well!
Youch on the broken foot...I've broken toes which is really fun too... I haven't read the article. Messing in the pine needles...Good Goddess...doesn't she know that moving the needles around some will make the mosquito nests dry up... Lucky you on the double yolkers.
Just responding to title of post NO, I just come here to look at the pictures. Its a guy thing we READ all our magizines that way too.
Yep - I read it too. The problem for quite some time has been the definition of "free range". Free range does NOT mean (legally) that the birds have any access to pasture or are in any way encouraged to go outside. So, large scale "free range" is essentially equivlent to "cage free" birds that are raised in pole barns. Certainly better than caged from an animal-treatment perspective, but no better in quality of egg. Another interesting note (according to a U of MN booklet I read) is that "free range" actually has mixed connotations to people. Some view it as better, but others think of it as inconsistant in quality (memories of getting a bad egg at grandma's?). One possibility is to use "pasture raised" or some-such. -Frank