How to Buy Chicken Eggs
Choosing which eggs to purchase is not an easy decision these days, now that consumers are faced with the task of deciding between conventional vs. "designer" eggs. Aside from raising your own chickens in order to get the freshest eggs possible, many people are left wondering what the healthiest-as well as most humane-choice may be.
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Instructions
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Know what the labels mean. Although some egg manufacturers claim that their chickens are "Cage Free" or "Free Range," this only implies that they may be left to roam free within large factories with little access to pasture. "Certified Humane" specifies that hens must be uncaged and have places to perch, nest and dust-bathe. However, access to pasture is not required, and debeaking can occur.
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Understand that "Certified Organic" isn't always the best option. Although chickens must be raised according to standards set by the USDA National Organic Program, debeaking and forced molting is allowed. How much access chickens have to open pasture is still up for debate. "Certified Organic" eggs come from chickens fed a vegetarian grain and those not treated with antibiotics.
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Buy eggs from your local farmer either directly from a farmer's market or a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group. When you get to know the farmers in your area, you can feel good about your decision to support the fair treatment of chickens.
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Tips & Warnings
Debeaking is an inhumane way of preventing chickens from cannibalism and other destructive tendencies. It is likened to cutting off the tips of a person's fingers, which greatly reduces dexterity and sensory perception.
Forced molting occurs when chickens are intentionally starved. This unnatural method forces the chickens to lay more eggs.
