Free-Range Eggs

Eggs produced by hens raised outdoors or that have access to the outdoors, as weather allows. In addition to consuming a diet of grains, these hens may forage for wild plants and insects and are sometimes called pasture-fed hens.

The insects and other organic matter in the diet of free-range hens may result in such a very small increase in egg protein content that it’s considered insignificant. The nutrient content of eggs from the same breed of hen fed the same diet is not affected by whether hens are raised free-range or in floor or cage operations. Yolk color is not an indication of nutrient content but, instead, indicates whether or not the feed contains yellow-orange plant pigments called xanthophylls.

Due to higher production costs and lower volume per farm, free-range eggs are generally more expensive.

Commercial hens are housed in large laying facilities which use cage systems. The cage system provides hens with optimal temperature, humidity, feed, water, laying space and security and is designed for the welfare of the birds as well as for production efficiency.

– See Lutein, Production