Are our eggs all natural?
    Yes. We never use any growth hormones, antibiotics, drugs, colorants or "enhancers" of any kind. We use no pesticides nor chemical fertilizers. Our hens graze freely over fresh clean organic pasture to supplement a diet of unmodified grains and legumes.

Why are our eggs ungraded?
    We think this is an honesty issue. USDA egg grades run according to size and quality. All eggs deteriorate with age. Handling and storage conditions (especially temperature and humidity) affect quality. Some store eggs are dated far ahead and still sold as "grade A". What their grade really is after months on the shelf is anybody's guess.

Why are our eggs unprocessed?
    Processing eggs generally means washing them and then oiling them. We wash only dirty eggs because washing removes an egg's natural anti-bacterial defense layer. Processors often oil eggs once they have been washed to re-seal the shell's pores. One problem with this is that oil interferes with the egg white's ability to hold a stiff peak when beaten. We supply our customers with fresh local foods, not some pseudo food which has been processed to give it long shelf life, eye appeal and enable it to be shipped clear across the country.

Are our eggs "certified organic"?
    No. We feel that there are a number of problems with certification. The "organic" label is now a legal word game of government and big agri-business. USDA even allows hens which never actually get out of doors, or which only have access to a bare clay lot to be called "free ranged" or "organic". Likewise, birds raised in crowded high stress houses, but fed politically correct rations, may use the "organic" moniker (upon payment of the proper fee). Hens crowded into egg factories filled with ammonia and fecal dust are the norm for most of the industry's "certified organic" eggs.
    By closely mimicking nature, by paying careful attention to the source and quality of our feed and by keeping small flocks moving outside on grass, our hens produce eggs far superior in flavor, color and healthfulness to those with fancier names.

Why does egg color vary?
    Since our laying hens live out on grassy range or pasture, their eggs reflect seasonal variations in available forage. It is fascinating to watch the arrival of spring through the changing color of their yolks. Shell color does not reflect egg quality, but is a largely genetic trait. Some breeds lay brown, some white and a few lay blue green or speckled eggs.

Are pastured chickens also available?
    Yes. Pastured poultry is a seasonal item since fresh greens are not available year around. We start our first chicks in early spring, just as the pasture begins to come back to life, and harvest them as meaty broilers and roasters from May through September. You liked our eggs; we are equally confident that once you try our real chicken, you will never want to go back to eating factory birds. We would be happy to add you to the list of folks to call when we expect to have chickens dressed and ready for pick up.  To order please call us at (540) 896-7107, or check our website at http://home.rica.net/phelbert/chickens.html for a printable order form.