Please help us spread the word — eggs from hens raised on pasture are far more nutritious than eggs from confined hens in factory farms.
LATEST RESULTS: New test results show that pastured egg producers are kicking the commercial industry’s derriere when it comes to vitamin D! Eggs from hens raised on pasture show 4 to 6 times as much vitamin D as typical supermarket eggs. Learn more: Eggciting News!!!
RESULTS FROM OUR PREVIOUS STUDY: Eggs from hens allowed to peck on pasture are a heck of a lot better than those from chickens raised in cages! Most of the eggs currently sold in supermarkets are nutritionally inferior to eggs produced by hens raised on pasture. That’s the conclusion we have reached following completion of the 2007 Mother Earth News egg testing project. Our testing has found that, compared to official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data for commercial eggs, eggs from hens raised on pasture may contain:
- 1/3 less cholesterol
- 1/4 less saturated fat
These amazing results come from 14 flocks around the country that range freely on pasture or are housed in moveable pens that are rotated frequently to maximize access to fresh pasture and protect the birds from predators. We had six eggs from each of the 14 pastured flocks tested by an accredited laboratory in Portland, Ore. The chart in Meet the Real Free-range Eggs (October/November 2007) shows the average nutrient content of the samples, compared with the official egg nutrient data from the USDA for “conventional” (i.e. from confined hens) eggs. The chart lists the individual results from each flock.
Free-Range, Pastured and Organic Eggs
Free Range vs. Pastured Chicken and Eggs – Discover the difference between the labels “free range” and
“pastured”when it comes to eggs and chicken meat.
How to Decode Egg Cartons – Not all eggs are created equal, so it’s important to know how to decode egg cartons’ different labels.
Top 5 Poultry Articles
- How Do Your Eggs Stack Up?
Whether you live in the city or country, here’s how to find healthy, delicious, farm-fresh eggs — and even raise a few happy chickens of your own. - Portable Chicken Mini-coop Plan
With this unique, portable chicken mini-coop design, anyone can keep a few chickens, even in small back yards. - Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Flocks
Use our survey results to help you choose the best chicken breeds for eggs, meat, temperament, and more. - Raising Free-Range Chickens
A homestead handbook for novice poultry keepers. Details on raising free-range chickens naturally and selling eggs. - Saving Heritage Breeds
Join the Real Food Revival and you can help save heritage breeds and endangered livestock
More on Poultry
- Poultry Pest Patrol –
Expert tips on how poultry can control problems with flies, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, pillbugs, grasshoppers, millipedes and more. - Raising Poultry – Everything to get you started raising poultry!
- Heritage Chicken Breeds and Other Poultry – All about heritage poultry breeds.
- Coops and Cages – Tips for choosing a coop and DIY plans to build your own.
- Feeding Your Poultry – Expert advice on what how to choose feed for your poultry.
- All About Eggs – Free-range vs. pastured, tips for selling eggs, how to store fresh eggs, and much more.
- Preparing Poultry Meat – How to prepare poultry for cooking.
Poultry Resources
Eat Wild: The Clearinghouse for Information on Pasture-Based Farming – The #1 clearinghouse for information about pasture-based farming and features a state-by-state directory of local farmers who sell directly to consumers.
The Livestock Conservancy – Protects genetic diversity in livestock and poultry species through the conservation and promotion of endangered breeds.
City Ordinances: Resources to Legalize Chickens in Your Community
- How to Change Chicken Ordinances – Learn how to approach your city council to revise the rules with these tips from our readers.
- Seattle Tilth: FAQs About City Chickens
Answers to common questions about chickens in the city. - Statement on Chicken Ordinances
A statement in support of changing chicken ordinances.
