Cage free is better?

[GloriaH]

Now I know I know why I raise my own chickens.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-04-10-eggs-cage_x.htm

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Mother Earth News has had some great articles about cage free/free range eggs and how they're healthier than store bought mass produced eggs.

 

[GloriaH]

After reading this articel I have my doubts. If I had to buy eggs from the store I would go with Free Range or Organic.

 

[blue90292]

the article states:

Brown: Brown eggs are produced by brown-feathered hens. There is no nutrient difference between brown and white hens fed identical diets.

now, we know THAT's not true! that's like people who think there are only white chickens in this world.

 

[MiniDriver]

I dread the last line that if Bird Flu comes to the US, all birds will be required to be kept inside at all times to avoid contagion. That will be applied to backyard farmers as well as industrial chicken producers.

I just don't think birds that are inside all the time can possibly be as healthy (without antibiotic use) as birds that get fresh air and sunshine on a regular basis.

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

In some areas that is already law, chickens have to be houses with rooves and in no way can they come on contact with wild birds. So at best imagine a huge hay shed type building with netting sides and a roof. At least then they would have fresh air and sunshine iwth the chance of catching a bug.

Thing is it just can't be enforced. For a big producer they would show up but not every backyard farm so it's not worth the paper it took to get it written.

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
Hahaha, that one cracked me up too! But my sexlinks are black, doesn't that mean I get black eggs?

 

[1acrefarm]

That is one of the reasons I raise my own. I know my birds are down right spoiled even though I may from time to time put one on the table. I think my eggs and meat is healthier for it. Atleast I know I am not paying someone to torture a bird. I like a local henhouse. If I had to buy eggs I would buy direct from them although they sell to the local stores. They are an older operation so they do not have cages. The hens are in older poultry houses that are not exactly eye appealing modern ones. They do get to move around in those houses though. That is not exactly freerange but they have it better than some.

 

[herechickchick]

I have been saying this all along, Cage free, Organic, all natural is Bull S*&%#. If these chicken farms are able to supply major grocery stores like Kroger, Wal-mart and many others with eggs then whether they are in a cage or not is irrelevant. They are still crammed by the thousands in these building with artificial light. I HATE IT. And if I hear one more moron comment on the Organic brown fresh eggs at the grocery store I am going to scream! Just because they are brown does not mean that they are true free range organic eggs. You want organic, fresh eggs GET SOME CHICKENS!

Am I alone in this?

 

[DoctorGoose]

here, here, herechickchick! Although cage-free is indeed so much better than battery cages, wow, those hens were crammed in there! and that line about chickens not wanting to go outside??? Of course they do!

So...If I have a white rock, I should get white eggs, right? And yes, silkiechicken, Tiberius should be laying black eggs! I HAVE A MUTANT CHICKEN!!