free-range vs coop-only eggs: is there a difference in taste??

[technodoll]

I personally cannot tell the difference, but my dad said that he didn't like free-range eggs because "they taste funny"

Of course he only eats store-bought eggs, or so I think... no idea where this statement comes from.

If hens only eat what's in the coop (layer food and extras), do the eggs taste different than if they free-range for half the day?

I ask, because the past few days the flock has been outside exploring the land and stuffing their gobs with whatever they can find (on top of their layer pellets and extras). Yes, they are walking garbage cans. I have 5 dozen eggs on order, going to 3 families - I don't want the "eggs tasting funny" or they will not be repeat clients!

What's the verdict?

 

[Akane]

Yep. Free range eggs will have more flavor. Store bought eggs are bland and all I taste is the minerals that went into making the eggs. Eggs from your own chickens kept penned up and fed good feed will have more flavor. Free range eggs when you bake something you can taste the egg through it.

 

[technodoll]

aaahhh ok!

So in order of flavor strength:

store bought
coop eggs
free-range eggs

good to know, thanks! I will just warn people that these eggs are TASTY!!

 

[canada-goose]

Yum! Real eggs!

 

[PeeperKeeper]

Keep them in a run but throw them bugs and greens!

I think the chance to get to green grass ads carotene to the eggs and makes them more yellow, some say more corn in the diet makes the eggs more yellow.

 

[gritsar]

Most of my egg customers are customers because they know I free range and they love the taste of free range chicken eggs.

 

[technodoll]

I learn new things every day here!

 

[CarolynPerth]

My hens free range and get a mash I make from the pellets and crushed egg shells (silly things won't eat the pellets straight) plus scraps. I can't say I notice a difference in flavour but the yolks are very yellow (sometimes ridiculously bright orange) and they definitely make a cake rise more than store bought eggs ever did. I read that corn should be fed to layers sparingly due to the high fat content causing fatty liver which can rupture. Meat birds can eat it but my girls are for eggs and weeding.

 

[Kansaseq]

I've had all three; bland, store bought eggs that taste like cardboard, penned chickens' eggs that taste better, and free range eggs that are out of this world. There is no comparison. The free range or pastured eggs are incredible, and I will always let my birds graze as much as I can (today it was cut short due to a hawk hanging around

)

 

[aimeeinwv]

My Dad won't eat brown eggs, or any egg that doesn't come from a grocery store. I think that's funny! He says chickens are ugly.. that's why. HAHA!! I guess the store bought eggs must come from down right pretty caged chickens?