What eggzactly should I buy? Free range, run, organic?

What is the difference between free run, range? Organic? Omega?

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?

Key thing I look for on the label: the word "pastured". This means the animal had access to outside and exercise.

Have you considered those inexpensive, generic eggs you might be inclined to grab from the shelf? Do those eggs truly differ?

In my view, YES. An animal that has enjoyed sunlight, exercise, and social interaction tends to require less medical treatment and produces naturally healthier eggs with minimal supplementation.

Free run = Chickens are allowed to run freely, often still just inside a barn. They might have access to the outdoors for a limited time each day. Their living spaces are restricted, and they spend most of their time indoors. They are provided with a nesting box for laying eggs.

Free range = In theory, this term implies that chickens are outside, can roam freely, and are given a coop for harsh weather conditions. They may or may not have a nesting box.

Most farm chickens are truly free-range, meaning they have a coop for nighttime protection but roam freely during the day.

The reason I mentioned "in theory"...

The extent to which eggs can be labeled "free range" varies by farmer. This is why I prefer to find a farmer and ask them questions, rather than rely on a package label at a grocery store.

Conventional / caged = chickens spend their entire lives in a nesting box without access to the outdoors or space to stretch their legs. Eggs are laid on a funnel that leads to a conveyor belt. This is the most cost-effective method for producing eggs for the market, with minimal concern for animal welfare or nutritional value.

Why are living conditions so important? More things to consider?

FREE THE chickens

My preferred eggs come from a genuine farm. I refer to it as a "genuine farm" because when you see chicken advertisements in the subway tunnel, they mention "Canadian Farmer's," show a smiling person in plaid holding eggs, but omit the image of a barn packed with thousands of chickens deprived of sunlight.

Like us, chickens are animals and thrive best in the open air! This allows them to lead a healthy life, gain vitamin D, fresh air, and plenty of exercise. Being outdoors also lets chickens enjoy their natural diet of insects, grass, and other things they like to peck at.

Natural feed VS Supplements

Optimally we hope for a diet that is GMO & pesticide-free. Plus foods they would naturally eat, like sprouted grains and seeds.

antibiotics

Did you know there are more antibiotics used as precautionary measure in animal agriculture, versus human medical use??

Animals kept in confined areas have a greater risk of getting infections. To prevent illness, antibiotics are used as a precaution. Check for the label "Raised without the use of antibiotics" on all your animal products!

Hormones

In Canada, using growth hormone is illegal (unlike in the U.S.); however, the use of other hormones to alter fertility cycles and boost laying speed is permitted. Check for the label: "Raised without the use of hormones."

Omegas RICH

Chickens raised using conventional methods are given a diet high in flax to boost the omega 3 fatty acid levels in their eggs.

Free-range chickens, which roam freely outdoors, naturally lay eggs with a balanced mix of all omega fatty acids, including omega 3, because they eat insects and live plants found outside.

HEIRLOOM

Have you wondered why some chickens lay multi-coloured eggs?

Throughout the years, as conventional agriculture has evolved, chickens, similar to various crops, have been selectively bred to grow larger and more rapidly. Chickens that are selective about their environment or lay eggs of different colors have been phased out. Why is this? The aim of conventional agriculture is to create a uniform product that is easy and fast to produce.