My family had chickens and other domestic animals which were part of our food source where I grew up. I don't understand what is meant by "grass fed eggs" or "vegetarian" chickens. If the chickens are free range, meaning they forage on the land (as I see in your photo), besides the vegetation chickens will eat worms, grubs, and insects. That is their natural diet. Chickens are not exclusively vegetarian.
From: feltonius*** *
Category: For Sale/Free/Wanted
Thread: ForSale: real grass fed eggs
Location:*sebastopol***
I invite those who are lucky enough to enjoy Felton Acres' first season's production of grass fed eggs. They are only available at Bill's Farm Basket West of Sebastopol on hwy12 just past Grandview Dr.
Unfortunately my first flock lays a finite amount of eggs so I can't provide him with as many eggs as would keep him completely stocked all the time.
Here's what they look like, in their recycled beverage container plastic cartons (that you may return for reuse):
the chickens are housed in our first mobile chicken coop, free ranged, and moved around a few acres of apple orchard.
I'm working on my second mobile coop now, so I hope to be able to keep them stocked with my eggs in about 6 months. until then, I hope you can get lucky once and a while. Here's what flock2 looks like right now:
these definitely come first. a long, long way before the eggs
Valley Oak
11-04-2009, 11:55 AM
Yes! Absolutely correct, Attila.
Chickens are omnivores:
Chicken - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chickens)
And:
Omnivore - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnivore)
And the only way you could "make" a chicken a vegetarian is by locking it up and feeding it vegetable protein only. Despite this, the chicken would continue to be genetically an omnivore. If you let it out of its cage after one or two years of a vegan diet, it would immediately start eating bugs and such again, especially as a free range chicken.
Edward
My family had chickens and other domestic animals which were part of our food source where I grew up. I don't understand what is meant by "grass fed eggs" or "vegetarian" chickens. If the chickens are free range, meaning they forage on the land (as I see in your photo), besides the vegetation chickens will eat worms, grubs, and insects. That is their natural diet. Chickens are not exclusively vegetarian.
From: feltonius*** *
Category: For Sale/Free/Wanted
Thread: ForSale: real grass fed eggs
Location:*sebastopol***
I invite those who are lucky enough to enjoy Felton Acres' first season's production of grass fed eggs. They are only available at Bill's Farm Basket West of Sebastopol on hwy12 just past Grandview Dr.
Unfortunately my first flock lays a finite amount of eggs so I can't provide him with as many eggs as would keep him completely stocked all the time.
Here's what they look like, in their recycled beverage container plastic cartons (that you may return for reuse):
the chickens are housed in our first mobile chicken coop, free ranged, and moved around a few acres of apple orchard.
I'm working on my second mobile coop now, so I hope to be able to keep them stocked with my eggs in about 6 months. until then, I hope you can get lucky once and a while. Here's what flock2 looks like right now:
these definitely come first. a long, long way before the eggs
feltonius
11-05-2009, 08:14 AM
Hi,
I chose the term "grass fed" because they have access to real, growing, grass, as opposed to being in some fixed pen which they quickly turn into a dead zone. In fact, mine aren't simply "free ranged" which will usually be limited to a few hundred feed from their housing, but their range housing is moved on a weekly basis to keep them always accessing fresh pasture.
So due to the extent to which I go to give them access to fresh grass which I assure you they do eat, I am allowed to call my chickens and thus their eggs "grass fed" since they are omnivores in the case of chicken its not required their diet be exclusively grass.
I think in light of the questions that arise I'll stick with the "pasture fed" language that I use on the cartons from now on though. Or do lots of people think "grass-fed" is better? I'm open to persuasion.
thanks,
-marc
My family had chickens and other domestic animals which were part of our food source where I grew up. I don't understand what is meant by "grass fed eggs" or "vegetarian" chickens. If the chickens are free range, meaning they forage on the land (as I see in your photo), besides the vegetation chickens will eat worms, grubs, and insects. That is their natural diet. Chickens are not exclusively vegetarian.
From: feltonius*** *
Category: For Sale/Free/Wanted
Thread: ForSale: real grass fed eggs
Location:*sebastopol***
I invite those who are lucky enough to enjoy Felton Acres' first season's production of grass fed eggs. They are only available at Bill's Farm Basket West of Sebastopol on hwy12 just past Grandview Dr.
Unfortunately my first flock lays a finite amount of eggs so I can't provide him with as many eggs as would keep him completely stocked all the time.
Here's what they look like, in their recycled beverage container plastic cartons (that you may return for reuse):
the chickens are housed in our first mobile chicken coop, free ranged, and moved around a few acres of apple orchard.
I'm working on my second mobile coop now, so I hope to be able to keep them stocked with my eggs in about 6 months. until then, I hope you can get lucky once and a while. Here's what flock2 looks like right now:
these definitely come first. a long, long way before the eggs
I find the image of "grass fed eggs" hilarious. Catching wild eggs out grazing on the lawn looks to be an easy easter egg hunt without the fanfare.
Chickens being omnivorous, "grass fed" implies that the eggs come from malnourished chickens.
Chickens are also cannibal; i've watched them fight over kitchen scraps of chicken parts. They are also coprophages (shit eaters).
Given movable feeding cages, the more accurate term might be "arbitrarily constrained range" fed.
It seems to me that "grass fed" is just another misuse of language for the purpose of increasing price without any demonstrable increase in value,
similar to "natural" and "organic".
Natural is that which nature permits. Unnatural, that which nature does not permit, does not exist.
Organic is that branch of chemistry devoted to Carbon based compounds.
We do not eat inorganic food.
As a thoughtful consumer, the simple honesty of "fresh, local" will attract me. The use of meaningless buzzwords insults my intelligence and is an instant turnoff.
But thanks for the humorous imagery...
Best regards,
Oh. Yeah. Need a rooster? I have an extra. Anybody?...
Hi,
I chose the term "grass fed" because they have access to real, growing, grass, as opposed to being in some fixed pen which they quickly turn into a dead zone. In fact, mine aren't simply "free ranged" which will usually be limited to a few hundred feed from their housing, but their range housing is moved on a weekly basis to keep them always accessing fresh pasture.
So due to the extent to which I go to give them access to fresh grass which I assure you they do eat, I am allowed to call my chickens and thus their eggs "grass fed" since they are omnivores in the case of chicken its not required their diet be exclusively grass.
I think in light of the questions that arise I'll stick with the "pasture fed" language that I use on the cartons from now on though. Or do lots of people think "grass-fed" is better? I'm open to persuasion.
The distinction the label "organic" makes is that there are no man-made chemicals in the growing and processing of the food. Using chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides are detrimental to the health of the soil, our health, and the health of the farmworkers who are in constant contact with heavy doses of those chemicals. Of course, the closer to our community the food is grown the more fresh and the less fossil fuel for shipment.
Attila
---
Hi Marc,
I find the image of "grass fed eggs" hilarious. Catching wild eggs out grazing on the lawn looks to be an easy easter egg hunt without the fanfare.
Chickens being omnivorous, "grass fed" implies that the eggs come from malnourished chickens.
Chickens are also cannibal; i've watched them fight over kitchen scraps of chicken parts. They are also coprophages (shit eaters).
Given movable feeding cages, the more accurate term might be "arbitrarily constrained range" fed.
It seems to me that "grass fed" is just another misuse of language for the purpose of increasing price without any demonstrable increase in value,
similar to "natural" and "organic".
Natural is that which nature permits. Unnatural, that which nature does not permit, does not exist.
Organic is that branch of chemistry devoted to Carbon based compounds.
We do not eat inorganic food.
As a thoughtful consumer, the simple honesty of "fresh, local" will attract me. The use of meaningless buzzwords insults my intelligence and is an instant turnoff.
But thanks for the humorous imagery...
Best regards,
Oh. Yeah. Need a rooster? I have an extra. Anybody?...
handy
11-05-2009, 12:38 PM
It's not a "distinction"; it's a corruption.
The corruption of the term "organic" causes confusion and unnecessary fuzziness in the language, and thereby, in the thinking process.
It would be more honest to say, "I'd rather put shit on my food than white powder."
While I agree that the time and effort to compost excess organic material is a worthwhile (and preferable) means of deriving the necessary chemicals for healthy growth, at the level of chemical interaction, bonding and mineral uptake, there is no distinction. The plant can't tell the difference.
The hazards of using laboratory derived minerals comes from human ignorance regarding concentration, and the tendency towards over use.
Proper handling of concentrates (of almost anything) is not commonly learned or practiced. Therein lies most of the problems.
By definition, none of the minerals in fertilizer (whether from the compost pile or industrial production) are organic. Nitrogen is an elemental gas. Potassium and Phosphorus are elemental metals. Those, and other essential trace metals (Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Selenium, etc.) are all made available to the plant as water soluble salts. They are inorganic compounds.
The organic component is the result of Carbon extracted from Carbon Dioxide in the air, with the energy furnished by sunlight.
The distinction the label "organic" makes is that there are no man-made chemicals in the growing and processing of the food. Using chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides are detrimental to the health of the soil, our health, and the health of the farmworkers who are in constant contact with heavy doses of those chemicals. Of course, the closer to our community the food is grown the more fresh and the less fossil fuel for shipment.
Attila
---
zenekar
11-05-2009, 05:27 PM
Handy, you do have a way with words. But how would you explain your theory to farmworkers who are subjected to toxic chemicals sprayed on crops and suffering the consequence of cancer and birth defects.
see:
Pesticides (https://www.fwjustice.org/health&safety/Pesticides.htm)
UFW: The Official Web Page of the United Farm Workers of America (https://www.ufw.org/_page.php?menu=research&inc=history/10.html)
Pesticides the Root Cause of Birth Defects in Farmworkers (https://www.organicconsumers.org/OFGU/birthdefects031405.cfm)
Attila
---
It's not a "distinction"; it's a corruption.
The corruption of the term "organic" causes confusion and unnecessary fuzziness in the language, and thereby, in the thinking process.
It would be more honest to say, "I'd rather put shit on my food than white powder."
While I agree that the time and effort to compost excess organic material is a worthwhile (and preferable) means of deriving the necessary chemicals for healthy growth, at the level of chemical interaction, bonding and mineral uptake, there is no distinction. The plant can't tell the difference.
The hazards of using laboratory derived minerals comes from human ignorance regarding concentration, and the tendency towards over use.
Proper handling of concentrates (of almost anything) is not commonly learned or practiced. Therein lies most of the problems.
By definition, none of the minerals in fertilizer (whether from the compost pile or industrial production) are organic. Nitrogen is an elemental gas. Potassium and Phosphorus are elemental metals. Those, and other essential trace metals (Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Selenium, etc.) are all made available to the plant as water soluble salts. They are inorganic compounds.
The organic component is the result of Carbon extracted from Carbon Dioxide in the air, with the energy furnished by sunlight.
Jupiter13
11-06-2009, 08:08 AM
Hi -
I personally don't have a preference what you call your chickens as I get your drift. After having chickens and eating fresh eggs, I just can't stomach any sold in the store (including the organic, free range, etc.) I love fresh, local eggs with all the variety in shape - so much more flavorful that it's almost like eating a different food than the store bought.
I went to Bill's in search of said eggs as I would love to try them. Unfortunately, someone had just come in and bought 6 dozen. Perhaps we can show a little more individual restraint so more of the community can partake?
Thanks for your offering.
I chose the term "grass fed" because they have access to real, growing, grass, as opposed to being in some fixed pen which they quickly turn into a dead zone. In fact, mine aren't simply "free ranged" which will usually be limited to a few hundred feed from their housing, but their range housing is moved on a weekly basis to keep them always accessing fresh pasture.
So due to the extent to which I go to give them access to fresh grass which I assure you they do eat, I am allowed to call my chickens and thus their eggs "grass fed" since they are omnivores in the case of chicken its not required their diet be exclusively grass.
I think in light of the questions that arise I'll stick with the "pasture fed" language that I use on the cartons from now on though. Or do lots of people think "grass-fed" is better? I'm open to persuasion.
thanks,
-marc
handy
11-06-2009, 03:32 PM
Theory?! We don' need no stinkin' theory!!https://www.waccobb.net/forums/images/NewSmilies/wink.gif
As repeated, observed behavior, I repeat:
The hazards of using laboratory derived minerals comes from human ignorance regarding concentration, and the tendency towards over use.
Proper handling of concentrates (of almost anything) is not commonly learned or practiced. Therein lies most of the problems.
Overuse and misuse are demonstrably common, not theoretical at all.
Two of the most profitable words in the world are : rinse : repeat.
Toxicity is a ratio of body mass/dosage.
Concentration can raise the available potential dose to lethal levels.
The links you posted kinda demonstrate how poorly government regulation copes with the problem.
Handy, you do have a way with words. But how would you explain your theory to farmworkers who are subjected to toxic chemicals sprayed on crops and suffering the consequence of cancer and birth defects.
Attila
---
feltonius
11-06-2009, 05:12 PM
cool that this turned into a lively thread. I have 2 things to add:
Given movable feeding cages, the more accurate term might be "arbitrarily constrained range" fed.
well, that's how I do my meat birds, the broilers, because their genetics are demanded by the market and yet leave them woefully unprepared for the Cooper's Hawk. With my layers, I protect them from above while they are small, but then I day range them in a mobile coop. So I open the door and let them pull all that dirt away from the crowns of the trees in my orchard, and then close the door at night. But they focus on the area right around their coop, so that is built on a 2 axle trailer which I move weekly.
It seems to me that "grass fed" is just another misuse of language for the purpose of increasing price without any demonstrable increase in value, similar to "natural" and "organic".
What all these package labels are trying to do, and what the consumer is trying to get from reading them, is some indication of the methods used in growing/creating the product. How much laboratory created materials were used, how much of the nitrogen was fixed by the Haber-Bosch process using lots of fossil fuels, how much pesticide was used vs. less environmentally costly protection methods, etc.
What I'm trying to convey, in 2 words, is that MY method produces some kick-ass eggs. The real deal, bright orange yolks and firm shells and the flavor and nutrition level you might expect from wild-caught/gathered food.
Unfortunately, as I learn the ins and outs of managing larger flocks with this technique, I'm not producing as many eggs as I'd like, as the market demands. Also, my price is low for now as I want lots of people to sample these eggs during my learning period. To help people who are really motivated get my eggs when I deliver them, I'm using twitter. twitter.com/feltonacres. I'll simply tweet when I'm going to deliver my eggs and then its first come/served. I'm doing what I can to increase production.
Finally, if someone has some flat, watered, fenced pasture in West Sebastopol that they want re-mineralized and re-conditioned by a flock of chickens, please let me know via a private message.