Orange Yolks

[Yoder Farm]

Here's a good pic to show the comparison; the orange egg is one of the first eggs I got from the chickens. The "pale" larger egg yolk is a store bought.

 

[Pinky]

And they call store eggs Grade A

 

[Okie Amazon]

It's like the difference between a store bought tomato and a home grown one. They don't even seem to be the same vegetable!

 

[aggie9296]

The yolk is also firmer due to the freshness. Cannot beat the taste. It's all the grass, bugs, leaves, worms, etc they eat. Plus some feeds have added plant proteins (especially marigold) to make the yolks dark and rich.

 

[alhanse77]

Now that all of the snow has melted, my yolks are orange again now that my chickens are able to free range. If your chickens are not able to get all of the backyard goodies in the winter, you may notice that the yolks will be a bit paler in the wintertime, unless you supplement with greens.

 

[EggGardener]

Mother Earth News did a study in 2007 and the results are here:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-10-01/Tests-Reveal-Healthier-Eggs.aspx

In short, eggs of pastured hens have 7 times more beta carotene & 2/3 more vit. A (which may account for the color), plus more omega 3s, vitamin d, vitamin E, less cholesterol, etc. etc. Its a great read, and it'll make you doubly glad you got chickens.

Your eggs are what eggs are SUPPOSED to look and taste like, when chickens can be chickens!