Producers of organic eggs must adhere to strict guidelines concerning the types of feed and living conditions they supply their laying hens. The chickens must be raised on pollution-free ranges that provide a suitable and natural diet. An organic flock cannot contain more than 1000 birds in order to prevent crowding and stress. Organically-produced eggs possess a thick, smooth, and bright shell. The raw yolks are a warm-yellow color and the whites are firm and clear.

Organic Hens
In addition to being allowed outside to scratch and forage, the organic hen’s feed, which usually consists of mostly organic cereals, must be certified organic. The use of antibiotics on organic hens is forbidden. In organic egg production, each hen rests in a nesting box which is placed above a belted system that collects the eggs. This automated system eliminates the farmer’s task of having to gather the eggs on a regular basis, a process that could possibly stress the birds and affect egg production. This also discourages the hens from laying eggs on the ground. Eggs that are laid on the ground cannot be sold as organic eggs. The organic hens are trained through light manipulation to lay their eggs in the nesting boxes. Only natural molting occurs on organic hens because the practice of forced molting is not permitted.

Understanding Egg Labels
There are numerous terms to describe eggs, and the manner in which they were managed. Just because an egg carton claims that its eggs are “vegetarian” does not necessarily mean they are certified organic. Certain terms found on egg cartons can be defined as follows:

  • Cage-free: The laying hens are not caged; they are permitted to roam indoors, but are not generally allowed access to the outdoors.
  • Free-range: These hens are also referred to as “free roaming” which generally means they are cage-free, and permitted to wander in barns, with some access to the outside. Free-range egg producers can make use of non-organic feed, antibiotics and hormones. There are no strict restrictions associated with this label for eggs.
  • Vegetarian: Hens that lay eggs labeled “vegetarian” are usually not allowed outdoors, as they will eat insects, worms, etc. They are generally raised in cages and fed a vegetarian diet.
  • Omega 3 enriched: Simply put, these eggs are enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids. This term has no relevance to organic eggs’ management issues or animal welfare.