I was thinking about this this morning, because I love eggs, but I won't touch battery hen eggs. Hens lay eggs just like female humans produce eggs, and neither are fertilized without a male. So... could you raise hens and simply eat their eggs? Why have a rooster at all unless you want to breed, right?
I decided to raise my own primarily because I could not find an organic, free range, cruelty free egg. Even the best egg from wholefoods comes from chickens who (in my opinion) live pretty crappy lives. There wasn't a local source I trusted, so I figured what the heck....I have the land and ability.
The rooster is more of a figurehead and sex machine than anything else (though the hens don't seem to be enjoying themselves....). He's kind of the glue that holds everyone together.
Yes, I'm pretty new to it - but it comes naturally to me. My ancesters were peasants..... so gardening and livestock etc. is second nature.
I've been wishing I had land so I could do the same. I stopped buying those "free range organic" eggs from Whole Foods over a year ago when I learned they're not really "free range". I detest anything related to factory farming, so I just went vegan altogether. But... I love eggs and wish I could raise my own hens.
I don't think my ancestors were peasants, but I love to garden - I've just been sort of stuck in a second floor apartment for the past 11 years. One day I'll have a house, I think, I hope.
Yes, to get real free range your best bet is the Farmers Market (and even then, I'd probably ask if I could come visit haha).
My diet is a big issue in my life. I'm always trying to be as karma free as possible (not only for the animals but for the environment). I also despise factory farming and greedy corporate america.
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sforzinda
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Date: 2008-07-25 09:13 pm (UTC)So you're new to chicken "farming"?
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Date: 2008-07-25 09:32 pm (UTC)The rooster is more of a figurehead and sex machine than anything else (though the hens don't seem to be enjoying themselves....). He's kind of the glue that holds everyone together.
Yes, I'm pretty new to it - but it comes naturally to me. My ancesters were peasants..... so gardening and livestock etc. is second nature.
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Date: 2008-07-26 06:27 pm (UTC)I don't think my ancestors were peasants, but I love to garden - I've just been sort of stuck in a second floor apartment for the past 11 years. One day I'll have a house, I think, I hope.
Congrats on your egg! :)
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Date: 2008-07-26 08:04 pm (UTC)My diet is a big issue in my life. I'm always trying to be as karma free as possible (not only for the animals but for the environment). I also despise factory farming and greedy corporate america.