Today, produce is being farmed using artificial and unhealthy methods in an effort to curb costs and maximise profits. Over the years, the focus on organic farming has amplified considerably due to greater understanding of health effects and ethics. This has led to a high demand for organic produce, especially chickens for meat and egg farming.
This begs questions on what distinguishes organic chickens from inorganic ones and what methods farmers can use to ensure their chickens are raised organically. The confusion on what constitutes organic chickens and farming is not just reserved for consumers, but also farmers themselves. This post sheds light on the misinformation.
What Is The Difference Between Organic And Non-organic Chickens?
Organic chickens are generally assumed to be healthier and happier than non-organic ones. In general, non-organic chickens are often injected with steroids, antibiotics and other feed that make them gain weight quicker. These artificial means of farming are what have branded non-organic chickens as unhealthy.
Raising organic chickens involves allowing your chickens to eat freely in your backyard or garden. This may not necessarily be organic as the term can mean different things to each farmer. However, the guidelines of Soil Association, which is approved by the UK government, establish a criterion for organic farming. All farmers who wish to raise organic chickens must meet these requirements to make sure the eggs and meat are distributed and sold under the organic label.
The main factors that differentiate organic from free range chickens are four: genetics, quantity of chickens, antibiotics and feed.
Genetics
Genetics plays an important role in determining how quickly chickens can gain weight. Non-organic chickens are generally bought from stores that have not been supplied with organic feed from the second day. Organic chicks, on the other hand, have to be sourced from conventional hatcheries or poultry from established organic sources.
Chicken quantity
How many chickens are stacked per barn is also an important factor. Normally in non-organic farming, chicken in high quantities will be placed close together to minimise costs. However, since they are positioned so close together, the likelihood of diseases and illnesses are higher.
In organic farming, on the other hand, adequate space is ensured to boost chicken welfare that also reduces risks of illnesses. Although costs are higher, organically raised chickens tend to be happier.
Use of antibiotics
Antibiotics are generally used for non-organic farming to reduce illnesses and diseases. However, the problem is that farmers use it primarily for preventative reasons. In fact, the first 14 days of a chicken are spent feeding antibiotics so that it is not capable of sustaining illnesses. While measures should be taken to treat diseases, the heavy use of antibiotics has grave health consequences when we eat.
In contrast, organic chickens are given the perfect environment by preventing overcrowding. This leads to fewer instances of disease.
Feed
In addition to antibiotics, you must ensure that any feed used is from organic sources. Injection of steroids and additives are strictly prohibited. However, it is perfectly safe to use egg wash ingredients and chemicals, such as sodium carbonate, hydrogen peroxide and potassium hydroxide.
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