Caged Chickens vs Pastured Chickens- See for Yourself

I was out at the Sioux Empire Fair this week and had the opportunity to experience modern farming practices at the Pipestone Discovery Barn.

Although I appreciate that the Pipestone Discovery Barn desires to educate the public about where food comes from and be open about how they raise their animals, I do not think that these farming practices are something to be proud of.

Take a look for yourself.  There were 4 hens in a cage that was no bigger than 24"x24".  This is where they live 24 hours a day.

Because these chickens are short-changed of sunlight, exercise, and the ability to forage for fresh greens and bugs, WE are short changed because the eggs they produce don’t have as many nutrients as eggs from chickens raised on pasture.

Researchers have found that compared to commercial eggs, pastured eggs contain:

• 1/3 less cholesterol
• 1/4 less saturated fat
• 2/3 more vitamin A
• 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
• 3 times more vitamin E
• 7 times more beta carotene

If you want to learn more about the fascinating comparison between the eggs from convention vs. pasture raised chickens, check out this article or this one.

Now enjoy these pictures of the happy pasture raised chickens who supply Glory Garden members with eggs.