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Most eggs are laid by hens kept in cages in factory farms or in barns. Because they are so closely confined, they must be de-beaked to prevent them from eating each other. Traditional free range farms have low stocking densities, free access to pasture and good animal husbandry practices. No hens on a real free range farm are de-beaked.
Without full beaks they are unable to forage properly and it is quite pathetic watching a bird which has been de-beaked trying to pick up a worm!
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Why are free range eggs more expensive than ordinary eggs?
Production costs are higher because traditional free range farms are smaller and more labour intensive than cage or barn-laid farms. Feed, replacement birds, packaging--virtually everything is more expensive for smaller operators because of the low volume of production. Compliance with food safety standards are the same for all legitimate producers but the relative costs are higher for small farmers. As with most things in life -- you get what you pay for. But don't think eggs are free range just because they are more expensive!
Are free range eggs better than cage eggs?
There has been little scientific evidence to demonstrate the nutritional difference between eggs produced on different farms. However, some research in the US indicates that free range eggs are better for you and has shown some interesting results. Many clients and chefs believe free range eggs produce better results from their kitchens. Chefs who care about food stay away from factory production systems.
Where can I buy genuine free range eggs?
Because of our small scale production, freeranger eggs are only available in South West Gippsland and some outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. You can find genuine free range eggs in many health food shops, fruit and veggie outlets and even some supermarkets--but don't forget to look for the logo of the Free Range Farmers Association. Don't be fooled by fancy packaging with pretty pictures of birds frolicking in grass--unless the farm is accredited by a reputable organisation and inspected regularly there is no guarantee that the eggs you buy are really free range.
Are free range hens likely to spread bird flu?
The potential spread of Avian Influenza is unlikely to be reduced by locking up our chooks. The reality is that any threat to the Australian public is more likely to arrive with people traveling from overseas than from migratory birds or from domestic hens. Access of wild birds to free range hens is seen as a risk by some in the industry but wild birds like sparrows and swallows have access to even the most modern poultry sheds. Many cage farms were built over 40 years ago and birds fly in anytime they feel like it!
Are there any standards for egg producers?
Yes, standards vary, but in Victoria producers must have a food safety program registered with their local Council and they are required to package eggs according to the Shell Egg Code of Victoria. There are strict labeling requirements in the ACT, but not much of a requirement elsewhere in Australia. NSW has banned the beak trimming of birds which are free ranging and has a maximum number of birds per hectare of 1500 (but the regulations are not enforced). If the farm has effective management practices, eggs will be clean when they are collected and there should be no need to wash eggs. The washing process removes a natural 'bloom' from the surface of the egg which helps prevent the entry of bacteria. In our view, washed eggs should be classed as seconds and not offered for retail sale. The Australian Egg Corporation Ltd operates the Eggcorp Assured program which audits the quality of production on participating farms and provides guaranteed standards for consumers. None of these standards are met by backyard operators or illegal sellers at thousands of markets across Australia.
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