chrismahon
Well-known member
Of course we don't buy eggs but was curious to see a sign explaining the French system of egg standard. There are 4 categories- 3, 2, 1, 0. They are defined thus:-
3 -caged hens at a stocking density not more than 13 per square metre. I defy anyone to find an egg box marked category 3. I picked up the cheapest and looked very carefully. In writing the size of a baby Red Mite (yes, they have landed) was the relevant detail and hidden amongst that was the number 3.
2 -hens kept in the interior of a building, with some natural light and at a maximum stocking density of 9 per square metre.
1 -hens allowed access to outside with a maximum stocking density of a hen to 4 square metres. The particular display of eggs in trays with this information shown also boasted that their hens had 9 square metres. Well I can tell you even that is a joke. Our hens have 20 square metres and that is only just sustainable and even with tree cover may frazzle in Summer.
0 -same as category one but certified Organic
So even with all this space they can't treat their free range hens properly. Land for chickens would be no more than €5000 per hectare, about £1600 per acre. If I remember correctly UK free ranging is a minimum of 15 square metres each and as the land is watered better is probably sustainable. Does anyone know how UK cage standards compare? They are supposed to be the same? What defines barn eggs?
3 -caged hens at a stocking density not more than 13 per square metre. I defy anyone to find an egg box marked category 3. I picked up the cheapest and looked very carefully. In writing the size of a baby Red Mite (yes, they have landed) was the relevant detail and hidden amongst that was the number 3.
2 -hens kept in the interior of a building, with some natural light and at a maximum stocking density of 9 per square metre.
1 -hens allowed access to outside with a maximum stocking density of a hen to 4 square metres. The particular display of eggs in trays with this information shown also boasted that their hens had 9 square metres. Well I can tell you even that is a joke. Our hens have 20 square metres and that is only just sustainable and even with tree cover may frazzle in Summer.
0 -same as category one but certified Organic
So even with all this space they can't treat their free range hens properly. Land for chickens would be no more than €5000 per hectare, about £1600 per acre. If I remember correctly UK free ranging is a minimum of 15 square metres each and as the land is watered better is probably sustainable. Does anyone know how UK cage standards compare? They are supposed to be the same? What defines barn eggs?
