In order for a chicken to be considered organic, the bird must be raised according to strict organic production methods from the time of its birth. Farmers can purchase conventional chicks, but they must adhere to the following guidelines in order to be considered organic.

Feed
Organic chicks are raised on a diet of finely ground boiled eggs combined with oatmeal, both of which must be certified organic. If the farmer chooses to use feed from his own crop, the crop must have been free of pesticides and other artificial fertilizers for three years. Many organic chicken farmers would also use cod liver oil to improve their poultry diet. The chicken must be allowed to access the outdoors and be fed sprouted grains when indoors. The feed that is administered must be certified organic and cannot contain hormones, antibiotics, growth promoters or meat by-products.

Living Conditions
Each bird must be allowed two square feet of floor space and raised humanely in a stress-free environment, which includes routine access to sunshine and fresh air, weather permitting. An organic flock cannot contain more than 1000 birds. They cannot be permanently housed. Organic chicken farmers must be vigilant with sanitation. Bedding must be dry and leveled, and can consist of uncontaminated sawdust, paper products and straw. The practice of de-beaking (a process whereby the bird’s beak is trimmed to reduce excessive feather picking and cannibalism) is not permitted in organic chicken farming.

Chicken Eggs
Organic eggs can only be produced from organic chickens. If the farmer cannot obtain organic birds for this purpose, non-organic birds may be substituted if they have been reared organically in regards to their feed and veterinary treatments. The chicken cannot be older than eighteen weeks, and must be organically managed for six weeks before any of the eggs can be sold as organic. Organic egg production is free from artificial chemicals and toxins. Due to the lack of synthetic color in organic chicken feed, organic eggs will be paler than conventional eggs.