judging eggs by the color of their yolk?

[Ioanna]

The eggs I used to get from a previous farmer were so vibrant yellow/orange and tasted so fresh compared to health food store eggs.  I haven't eaten eggs in such a long time, but I still get them for my dog.  I was think of trying one, but from the current farm I buy from the eggs are so bland looking. Does this mean they are less quality?

[kurite]

It's possible. Do you know what the chickens diet consists of?

[Ioanna]

supposed to be free-range

They're a small farm, passionate about grass-fed only, and put great effort into growing the best quality grass.  I can believe it because the meat I get from them is the best I've ever had by far of grass-fed beef. Their eggs seem to not parallel in quality.

[B.Money]

My pastured eggs (normally very dark yolks) are very yellow this week for some reason, normally much darker--strange.

[kurite]

Growing free range chicken does not affect the quality of eggs. You should ask about their diet because that is a primary contributor to quality eggs.

[Ioanna]

Their diet is reported as the following:

"Our acclaimed eggs are from pastured hens. These chickens spend their life on pasture foraging for bugs, seeds, and grass. They are supplemented with organic minerals and organic kelp to ensure nutritious eggs for your family."

[King Salmon]

Wow,sounds like a healthy diet to me.Better than what a lot of humans eat
On top of that,they get to roam outside in the sun and fresh air.What my chicken guy told me was that one reason they don't like to let the chickens out too much is because sometimes they lose a few to coyotes or whatever predators are out there.
The second thing he said was that the chickens are more prone to diseases outside than inside.I would think that the chicken would be healthier if they get to roam and eat naturally occuring food outside but that's just me.I do see how the chicken would be more protected indoors though,at least until we get to 'em

[KD]

I don't know if this is at all helpful, but I eat one of two kinds of pastured eggs. One from a local farm that I know feed on pasture and perhaps a little grain. one from the natural market that is called Vitalfarms that I have also seen others recommend which are $$$. The problem with the latter is that in addition to GMO-free corn (typical), they are fed soy and artificial vitamins and probiotics. Even so they are great tasting and would seem superior on visual inspection to the eggs of farmers I trust. They have the darkest yolks.


to my best knowledge, color can be due to age, breed, exposure to sunlight etc..
It could be possible that the Vitalfarms folks have better pasture than my local guys, but the color also could be enhanced and not necessarily corresponding to how 'clean' it is.

as long as the bird is not warehoused and have access to true pasture/omnivory, I believe chickens are natural seed/grain eaters and are actually known to do poor on pasture alone.