Frequently Asked Questions

Why are eggs from OrgaNick Pastures more valuable for consumers?

Our chickens have an average of 108 square feet of pasture per layer hen to graze throughout the day in good weather. Those hens also have ample space inside our barns with several levels for eating, drinking, and living within the flock. At non-organic farms, it is rare for a chicken to see the outdoors or exercise their natural curiosity.



How does an organic lifestyle for the hens translate into the eggs?

Because our hens spend more time outside than our competition, they have a higher level of Vitamin D in the eggs. Eggs are rich in iron, phosphorus, selenium and vitamins A, B12, B2, B5 and D (among others). Eggs also are high in choline, a very important nutrient which plays an important roles in modulating gene expression, cell membrane signaling, lipid transport and metabolism, and early brain development.



Where can I buy OrgaNick Pastures eggs?

Check out this interactive map of locations our eggs are sold by clicking on this link.



What do the chickens eat?

Our chickens eat a number of different things. In the grazing months, they eat pasture, bugs, worms, and insects. Pretty much anything they can find in the pasture. During those months, they also have access to feed in the barn which is a combination of grains, grasses, and minerals. In the winter, when there isn't much for pasture, we supplement them with hay bales.



Why are eggs different colors?

The color of eggs laid by each hen is determined by their genetics. Some farms may genetically modify their hens to lay certain colors, or to lay more vibrant colors; but our hens live an organic life which generates a more pure, nutritious egg for you. Here is a video explaining the differences in egg shell color by Ron Kean, an expert on poultry production and management from University of Wisconsin: <iframe></iframe>.



Is there a difference between the eggs with different color shells?

The nutritional makeup of eggs are the same regardless of the shell color. Eggs from OrgaNick Pastures are more nutritious because of their organic feed and organic pasture in their diet.



How does an egg get its color?

The color of the egg is determined by the breed of the hen laying the egg. Curiously, on the OrgaNick Pastures farm in Marcellon, the black Dominant CZ's lay a cream colored egg. According to Michigan State University Extension, "All eggs start out white in color; those that are laid in shades other than white have pigments deposited on them as the eggs travel through the hen’s oviduct. The journey through the chicken’s oviduct takes approximately 26 hours. The shell takes roughly 20 hour to be complete."