The Front Porch Swing

[Windy Bay Farm]

Woke up today to a couple more inches of snow.  Big storm coming on Wednesday, so far calling for about 14 inches. 
Anyone else in the path, keep safe.

Just when I was dreaming of seeing the grass again.  Oh well.

Hope everyone is enjoying their day.

Hi Gldnrose ! We too are in the path of the storm. Supposed to start here Wednesday evening and last into Thursday. Weatherman says that we may be on the warm side of the storm and get rain... Here's hoping. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada. Where are you located ?

 

[lovingmyhens]

  Me too!

Me three

 

[ocap]

Here is a question for you thoughtful people. It falls under the general heading of some research I've been doing, but I just read something I've never heard before and wonder if you guys have heard it either.

I sell eggs through a buying group with an active message board where people discuss their satisfaction with various Buys. Another egg farm also sells eggs through this group. Their eggs are "organic" and "soy free." Mine are not.

Someone just wrote in to say they got a fishy egg, one of the organic eggs.

Other people wrote in to say they have been told some chickens metabolize their feed differently and "just" lay fishy tasting eggs. This is the part I've never heard and haven't been able to verify.

I suggested it was perhaps the feed ... I had a guess at what brand of feed the other source is using, and I have chosen not to use it because it contains camelina meal, which studies indicate make both meat and eggs taste bad.

I also suggested it could be the "scraps" the birds are fed ... "too many fruit peels" can do it. Also, how you wash the eggs can do it (scented detergents are a big culprit). Also, how you store your eggs can do it (which is why I have a designated egg refrigerator into which no other food is stored.

Thoughts?

My thought is in the form of a question: Does organic mean vegetarian or only non-medicated or only non-GMO or all three plus more prohibited items?

 

[lovingmyhens]

Welcome Blooey!  No, you haven't worn out your welcome.  Have a seat and tell us some more!

Yes welcome and pull up a chair!

 

[lindz8504]

Oh my gosh! How fun! And those are two gorgeous little ladies!!

Thanks! They had a blast! And they are my 2 youngest ones! SO ROTTEN!

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

My thought is in the form of a question: Does organic mean vegetarian or only non-medicated or only non-GMO or all three plus more prohibited items?

It can mean absolutely anything, except it doesn't mean "vegetarian." I think, however, some of the customers in the buying group think it does mean "vegetarian," as well as a lot of other things it probably doesn't mean.

Unless something is labeled as "Certified Organic," and then the certification people might bust you if you claim certification but don't actually have it. "Certified Organic" means something specific, but it still doesn't mean "vegetarian." Unless, of course, the ingredients were imported, and then we're back to the words "Certified Organic" meaning absolutely nothing ... there is so much fraud in the imported organics industry ... so if the feed mill is importing ingredients, then they have to do testing of each and every delivery (they should do this anyway as some "Certification" organizations do not involve testing ... they involve fees and paperwork. I've been writing to feed mills lately to ask if they do testing of every delivery, and so far most do not. Most rely on the certification organization.

What you see in the backyard/small flock egg "business" is the word written as "organic." That means nothing. It kinda sorta is supposed to mean the birds have been fed nothing but Certified Organic feeds from at least day 3 of their lives, but are also allowed to forage in uncertified pastures for weeds and bugs. I think a lot of people raise their birds on whatever feeds are handy, and then when it is time to sell eggs, switch them to "Certified Organic" feed and advertise the eggs as "organic." This is why it's good to ask specific questions and listen to your gut about the answers. If something sounds "off," ask more questions or walk away.

There are a few medium-sized egg vendors who have their property Certified Organic, so those eggs could be called "Certified Organic" if they are always only fed "Certified Organic" feed. Those eggs are usually very expensive.

I think in this instance (my story) it means the layer ration the flock gets fed at the moment is "Certified Organic." I gather the birds are also fed treats sometimes, and these treats have been described as "organic." I've not bothered to ask them if the birds were put on "Certified Organic" feeds on day 3 of their lives, or to be more specific about the treats, because it isn't my place to try to poke holes in their business.

Here is a link to info on including fish meal in Certified Organic poultry rations: http://www.extension.org/pages/70046/including-fishmeal-in-organic-poultry-diets#.Ux5eqyhOETM

 

[Triple Willow]

@Leslie... how do you wash your eggs. Do you use any soap or just water?

 

[chickenboy190]

 

[lindz8504]

Back at ya!

 

[Blooie]

Thanks! They had a blast! And they are my 2 youngest ones! SO ROTTEN!

Would you mind if I shared a pic of each of my three? Don't want to hijack the thread, but your little "Rottens" are adorable!