free range/cageless/certified humane eggs

[Guest guest]

For those who are curious, here is what I learned from Farmer's Organic Foods International in Wisconsin: The owner said that none of the egg producers in California have opted for the Certified Humane standard, although they may be labled cageless or free-range. (I was surprised by this, since I thought I saw cartons that showed certified humane.) He says his system of certified humane in Wisconsin is modeled after Europe's. It makes sure that the manure is cleaned out more often so the air they breath is better, and that they have more space and scratching area to aid in digestion. The density of hens in certified humane is lower, too. As for the egg collection process itself, there is a dimmer area where the birds go to lay their eggs, because they prefer darker areas to lay eggs in. He says the hens may try to incubate it for a while, which is called

clucking, but once they get up, the egg would roll down to a conveyor belt. He says most hens would want to leave the nesting area to come to the ground to socialize, etc, and that the fraction of eggs lain on the ground is very low. He says there are ways of training the hens not to go to the ground to lay eggs, by making it more challenging to maneuver to the ground. He is in the process of making a DVD to show how their eggs are produced. Best, Michelle

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[Guest guest]

In response to Michelle's post I offer the following pertinent links:

 

 

 

http://www.certifiedhumane.com/

 

http://www.hsus.org/farm_animals/farm_animals_news/hsus_joins_consortium_to_launch_certified_humane_label.html

 

http://www.hsus.org/farm_animals/farm_animals_news/demand_and_supply_help_spread_the_word_on_certified_humane_products.html

 

http://www.eco-labels.org/label.cfm?LabelID=272

 

http://www.animalconcerns.org/external.html?www=http%3A//www.worldwatch.org/press/news/2005/09/29/ & itemid=200509300013540.985427

 

Ron Landskroner