Eggs are undoubtedly among the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the planet. They are packed full of good nutrition to fuel our bodies. They’re considered a perfect protein containing all the essential amino acids our bodies need, along with phosphorus, iron, selenium, and vitamins B12, B2, B5 and A.
However, not all eggs are created equal. If you want to ensure that your eggs are packed full of nutrition, there are a few things you can do to improve their quality.
Benefits of Backyard Eggs
Did you know that the eggs you see at your local grocery store can be up to two months old? These eggs come from larger production operations where hens are given a carefully regulated diet and supplemental light to produce eggs on a larger scale. Despite their age, commercially produced eggs are safe to eat and can be a practical choice for many consumers.
Commercial yolks are usually light and pale. In contrast, if you have backyard chickens, they produce rich, golden yolks and hearty whites because they have access to high-quality feed and plenty of free-range time foraging for greens, bugs, and other nutritious treats. So, you tell me, what egg do you think is more nutritious?
Left: Egg from my flock. Right: Store-bought organic egg. Can you tell the difference between the yolk and the white?
Vitamins & Minerals in Backyard vs Commercial Eggs
Farm-fresh eggs from backyard chickens contain richer amounts of vitamins and minerals than commercially produced eggs. Studies show that eggs from pasture-raised hens are higher in calcium, lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D. Additionally, they have lower amounts of bad cholesterol and less saturated fat. So not only do these chickens have a better quality of life, but they also produce healthier eggs for us to enjoy.
It’s just like our own bodies. If you want to be healthy and function better, you must have a balanced diet with proteins, greens, healthy fats and carbohydrates. The same idea holds true for chicken eggs.
Ways to Improve the Quality of Your Eggs
If you want to improve the quality of your eggs, here are a few simple tips and tricks.
Give your hens high-quality feed and let them have plenty of free-range time for optimal sunshine.
Add healthy treats to their diet such as flaxseed, marigolds, oyster shells, greens and proteins. Treats like oysters, marigolds and flaxseed can promote yolks that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids with a golden yolk color. I use Golden Graze chicken snacks, and my flock loves them!
Add daily vitamins. I give my chickens Chicken E-lixir as a daily vitamin in their water every single day. It has, without a doubt, boosted my flock’s health and vitality! One capful into one gallon of water and you’ve given your chickens a great boost to their immune and digestive systems daily!
All 4 of these eggs came from my flock on the same day. You can see the richness of their yolks, but look at that orange one in the middle! That hen must have loved my marigolds from Golden Graze! Haha! The other eggs are what all our eggs look like on a regular basis.
Feeding my family healthy eggs was the reason I got into raising backyard chickens. I wanted to know what I was feeding my family was as healthy as possible. I also wanted our kids to see where some of their food comes from. What I didn’t see coming was that my chickens have become my favorite pets and free therapy! Haha! The eggs are still a huge reason why I continue, but they are no longer the only reason. It’s been one of my very best “yeses,” and I know it is probably one of yours, too!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady