Let’s talk about eggs
Illawarra Hotel have hens for eggs and fertiliser. Green Connect are taking delivery of their new hens this week. Many people raise chickens for eggs in backyards. So let’s talk about eggs. You may have noticed that eggs have been in relative...
Illawarra Hotel has hens for eggs and fertiliser. Green Connect are taking delivery of their new hens this week. Many people raise chickens for eggs in backyards. So let’s talk about eggs.
You may have noticed that eggs have been in relative short supply for the last few weeks. There is a good reason for that.
According to the marketing body Australian Eggs, chickens need at least 14 hours of sunlight per day to lay eggs consistently. This means that during the winter months, unless an egg producer uses artificial lights, hens will lay fewer eggs. As spring gets into gear, free-range hens’ egg production will increase.
Free-range eggs now account for nearly half of egg sales in Australia. Free range is defined as chickens having access to outdoor areas for roaming and foraging for at least eight hours with a maximum stocking density of 10,000 hens per hectare or one per square metre. They are enclosed overnight for their security and for laying. Importantly, free-range chickens can choose whether to remain indoors or roam outside during the day.
All laying chickens are fed grain, though free-range chickens may supplement their diet with the odd insect and grass picked up while foraging.
Organic eggs are produced by free-range chickens without the use of the use of herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. They are fed with organically grown grain. Organic eggs make up only 2% of egg sales in Australia. Organic farms must be certified. There is usually a lower stocking density and less likelihood of the use of vaccines and antibiotics.
One of the Illawarra’s closest free-range egg producers is the family-owned business Kangaroo Valley Pastured Eggs. With the slogan “better than free range”, their 6000 hens are protected from predators by Maremma guardian dogs. Kangaroo Valley eggs are used in numerous cafes and restaurants in the Illawarra and beyond. You can find them for sale at selected retail outlets from Jervis Bay through to Austinmer.
Did you know?
You can buy single Kangaroo Valley eggs at Flame Tree Co-op in Thirroul. Remember to bring your own egg carton or use one of the donated ones. This is great, especially for small households who may not go through eggs quickly. Buy one egg or a dozen!
To get a good dose of the 13 vitamins and nutrients in an egg, try this recipe.
