You Are What Your Chickens Eat
Have you ever heard the phrase “You are what you eat”? Well, it’s no different when it comes to raising chickens for eggs.
For instance, many people with gluten or soy intolerances show sensitivities to factory-farmed eggs but are able to eat eggs from pastured hens. This is because the factory-farmed hens may be fed products that contain these and other potential allergens.
Pastured hens, on the other hand, live on a diet that largely consists of natural grasses, seeds, and bugs and will be supplemented with feed (hopefully organic). If you or a family member experience any sensitivities to certain foods, especially top allergens like soy, consider purchasing chicken feed that does not contain these ingredients.
You may also want to consider purchasing organic chicken feed. Organic feed may come with a slightly higher price tag, but it also comes with better overall results and health benefits.
The only way to be sure that you aren’t buying or eating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is if you purchase certified organic products. If you do purchase feed that contains corn, cornmeal, soy, or soybean meal, consider buying organic to reduce your chickens’ intake of GMOs. After all, you’re raising chickens to feed yourself and your family the best food possible — and it starts with what your chickens eat.