There is nothing more beautiful on a breakfast plate than a vibrant orange egg yolk, shimmering like a miniature sun. But does a bright orange yolk mean that the egg is more nutritious or tastier? Not necessarily.
A bright orange yolk doesn't mean the egg is fresh, it doesn't mean that the hen who laid it was treated or fed well, and it doesn't even mean that the egg came from a free-range hen.
A common misconception is that the more orange the yolk, the more nutritious the egg or that it had to come from a free-ranging hen. While it's true that chickens who free-range normally do lay eggs with deeper, darker yolks because they have a diet that includes grasses, herbs and weeds that contribute to yolk color, and their eggs may be more nutritious due to their natural, varied diet, a commercially raised chicken can be fed feed that has ingredients such as corn and marigolds in it that will boost the yolk color as well.
Similarly, if you don't free range your chickens, there are ways for you to boost the color of your backyard flocks' egg yolks while increasing the quality of their diet, but not exposing them to the inherent risks of free-ranging. So let's take a look at what causes the color. Carotenoids, including carotene, lycopene and xanthophyll, are natural pigments that are found in such foods as apricots, basil, carrots, corn, marigolds, paprika, parsley, pumpkins, red cabbage, tomatoes, watermelon and the leaves of most green plants.
A bright orange yolk doesn't mean the egg is fresh, it doesn't mean that the hen who laid it was treated or fed well, and it doesn't even mean that the egg came from a free-range hen.
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Interesting factoid: the more yellow the 'white' of an egg (the albumen) is, the more riboflavin (Vitamin B2) that egg contains. |
The DSM Yolk Color Fan is a widely accepted scale to judge yolk color. Surprisingly enough, yolk color preference varies depending on who you ask. While people in the UK tend to prefer eggs with yolks in the 8-10 range, while New Zealanders like their yolks to be in the 11-13 range and Germans like theirs closer to 14!
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im planning on getting chickens within the next month :) i want to use organic feed
ReplyDeleteWe currently feed a crumble feed for layers from TSC
DeleteWe currently feed a crumble feed for layers from TSC
DeleteMy husband has been picking up chicken feed, but I'm going looking for Nutrena...
ReplyDeleteWe use an organic feed, but I'm not sure of the brand. I want to make your healthy layer feed recipe, but my husband thinks I'm crazy. Now I'm cooking for the CHICKENS?
ReplyDeleteI don't mind, though. I love my girls.
Right now we have DuMOR Chick feed. Up until last week they had an organic mix from a local hatchery.
ReplyDeleteWe use Scratch & Peck 3-grain scratch and corn/soy-free layer mix. Our flock also free ranges and are especially fond of clover (preferably in bloom) and the very small Pacific Chorus frogs that live in our bog.
ReplyDeleteWe normally use an Organic Layer Feed, mixed at the local grain/feed store. Supplemented with "left-over" Alfalfa Hay that our goats waste, along with "Chick Healthy" veggies/fruits. Spoiled girls!!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby buys the chicken feed and by the time I see it it's in the big plastic container, so I honestly can't tell you right now.
ReplyDeleteWe use Purina Layena crumbles. It's what's available in our area. I would love to find an organic feed close by, but that hasn't happened yet.
ReplyDeleteI use Dumor layer pellets right now.
ReplyDeleteI use whatever the co-op is selling. It varies . I feed scratch grain, cracked corn and layer pellets.
ReplyDeleteI use purina because that's what the local feed store has. I did recently take the 1 hour trip to farm & fleet (wanted to check them out) and I bought a bag of NatureWise while I was there because I had a $3 coupun. I just started giving it to the chickens
ReplyDeleteI use purina because that's what the local feed store has. I did recently take the 1 hour trip to farm & fleet (wanted to check them out) and I bought a bag of NatureWise while I was there because I had a $3 coupun. I just started giving it to the chickens
ReplyDeleteI use Agway brand...can't find anywhere near where I live that sells Nutrena :-(.
ReplyDeleteI love a good orange yolk, I think the contrast between a lovely white yolk and a bright orange center on my plate is fantastic. Would love to win because I can't find the naturewise feeds in my area. :(
ReplyDeleteRight now I have a mix of FRM (from our local feed store) and DuMor (from Tractor Supply when the feed store was closed)
ReplyDeleteWe currently use Purina Layena - it is what is available at our local Tractor Supply. Very interested in Nutrena and going to see if I can get it locally.
ReplyDeleteI use a feed from Southern States supplementing with fresh veggies and fruits and a forage block. I have been checking into switching to a more natural feed and was very happy to read this post. Thank you for the post and the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI have been using Acco Chicken layer crumbles, but am going to search for a Nutrena dealer now!
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post, especially the yolk color fan and cultural preferences! I'd like to try Nutrina; I've not seen it around here, but maybe I could change that!
ReplyDeleteAsk around b/c if enough people start asking, the local feed stores might start carrying it.
DeleteI currently use organic soy free by Hylands. We will be moving to a larger property soon and will have meat and egg chickens. Looking forward to learning how to feed the best for the best price. Thanks for an informative website!
DeleteMy neighbors are going through some hard times so this would help them out. We bought them Purina in the past.
DeleteSounds good.
ReplyDeleteI use Purina-it is what is offered at the local Tractor Supply, or Dumor if it is available.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what feed I use, my brother picks it up.
ReplyDeleteMy girls love Nutrena crumble!
ReplyDeleteI prefer and am currently using Nutrina and love our local supplier, Young Family Feed. A free bag of feed would help us out a LOT!
ReplyDeleteGreat information as always....thank you!
ReplyDeleteI just bought my first bag of Nutrena on Sunday from our local Agri Supply. I had been using Dumor but I had two bags that had mold in them. Never again!
ReplyDeleteVictoria O'Steen
I currently feed my girls Pride & Pleasure from a local feed store. It's all natural but not organic. I would love to try the Nutrena. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting information on the egg yolks. I've never tried the Nutrena products, but I'd like to!
ReplyDeleteOops...I hit enter before saying that I use Purina Layena for my girls.
DeleteWe use Nine Mile feed which is priduced by a local feed elevator made with fresh ingredients. Can' t find Nutrena around here.
ReplyDeleteI'm using Purina Layena pellets currently.
ReplyDeleteWe have used both Nutrena & Purina. Our local store Trellis (www.trellisfarm.com) carries the Purina. But if we make a trip to F&F then it's Nutrena.
ReplyDeleteWe use DuMOR Chick feed. Mostly because we don't have many options here. Only what Tractor Supply keeps in stock. If they had organic feed, I would buy it.
ReplyDeleteI use purina layena plus and free range
ReplyDeleteWe use Scratch & Peck and are very satisfied with it! The girls love it! We also give them the "waste" from vegetable juicing each morning and various table scraps. That must be why the yolks are so orange!
ReplyDeleteI feed Dumor from Tractor Supply. During the winter I also give my girls scratch and oats, which they love. They also get sunflower seeds and oyster shells free choice. I love a good orange yolk and now I know why. I am as German as you can get :)
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this feed and try it.
We use DuMor usually.
ReplyDeleteWe use Nutrena when we can find it, but otherwise I think it's country lane brand
ReplyDeleteI'm embarrassed! I don't even know what the name of brand is that we use! The feed store just loads it in the van and then my husband off loads into the feed can. I'll have to go look!
ReplyDeleteCurrently I am using the local farm stores brand. I would LOVE to try something new though!
ReplyDeleteI use Dumor brand from TSC! I started making feed sack totes and those bags are a little boring! Would love to try Nutrena for the girls and the cute bag ☺
ReplyDeletewe use calf manna from nutrena. we love this product. we feed it to the chickens and rabbits. it gives them glossy healthy feathers and fun.
ReplyDeleteI use Nutrena Layer Crumbles. My girls love it!
ReplyDeleteWe use Nutrena!
ReplyDeleteWe were feeding Agway Hearty Hen, switched to Purina Layena about a month ago.
ReplyDeleteWe just got our first chicks Monday so we are on chick starter.
ReplyDeleteMy hens are are on Country Feeds Layer and my chicks are on Nature Wise Chick Starter
ReplyDeleteJust getting started - should have chickens in the next 6 weeks or so.
ReplyDeleteI currently use Dumar or Purena because that is what I can get locally at the feed store (TSC) - I don't have many options where I live. There is a local general store that I heard has chicken feed but not duck feed. I am hoping to make a trip on a Saturday to see what they offer and hopefully be able to support a local business. I would love to feed an organic layer feed to my babies :)
ReplyDeleteI'm using Purina Layena because it's a pretty cheap price. I have used organic before as well & I forgot the name. :p Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWe use BlueSeal. Whatever our local feed stores carries.
ReplyDeleteI use Layena and Dumar from TSC
ReplyDeleteWe use Purina Flock Raiser at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI currently use Nutrena. Organic feed is not available where I live and I get good results using Nutrena.
ReplyDeleteWe use TSC's Layena. There are some organic feeds available in our area, but it's more expensive than our budget allows.
ReplyDeleteNice informative post, we use organic feed from a local feed supply.
ReplyDeleteI want nothing but the best for my girls! First flock and hope to start them off right. Coupons please?? :)
ReplyDeleteWe sometimes use Southern States and Sometimes use a brand at TS.
ReplyDeleteWe use feed from Tractor Supply, and lots of kitchen scraps
ReplyDeleteI use Bomgaars brand but would love to try Nutrena. Great giveaway. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in the Boost-My-Blog Party!
Thanks for participating in the Vday blog hop! I'm a new follower - I thought I was already following your blog but I guess not! I am now :-)
ReplyDeleteI love our free range eggs.
I have a local poultry farmer near me in NE Wisconsin that mixes his own feeds from local grown grains. He worked with the UW-Extension Ag office to get the proper nutrients for layer, grower and chick feeds. I am so happy with it! We also give lots of scraps. My husband is a chef so our girls and boys eat gourmet scraps...Happy Hens, Happy Me!
ReplyDeletehey, i hopped over from Boost-My-Blog Party! nice to meet ya. have a great <3 Day!! big hugs. ( :
ReplyDeletei know a friend who could sure use this feed - a great gift. ( :
ReplyDeleteI use Nutrena Country Feeds 16% Layer Crumbles . It's good quality, easy on the pocket book, and my girls really like it!
ReplyDeleteI actually just got chicks a week and a1/2 ago. We use Nutrena Starter!
ReplyDeleteWe alternate between Kalmbach crumbles and our local mill's feed.
ReplyDeleteI use Purena Layer, but would love to try this feed.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I just use feed from a local mill, Star Milling.
ReplyDeleteCurrently we use just regular Co-op laying pellets. But in a few weeks, we will switch back to Purina Flock Raiser (plus calcium) because I will have ducks, pullets and a young rooster.
ReplyDeleteI use Nutrena Nature Wise crumbles, my girls love it!
ReplyDeleteI currently feed your feed and my chickens LOVE it and have continued to lay all winter without any artificial lights.
ReplyDeleteDuMor layer pellets
ReplyDeleteWould love to try Nutrena!
ReplyDeleteDuMor layer pellets
ReplyDeleteI am currently using Dumor chick starter, but I would love to try Nutrena!
ReplyDeletedumore crumbles
ReplyDeleteI have DuMor starter/grower 20% protein for my two-week old Buff Orpingtons. They are getting that, have started grit, and I gave them a treat of oatmeal for scratch that they thoroughly enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteWe use Purina Layena crumbles.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try your layer crumble!
ReplyDeletePurina Layer
ReplyDeleteNutrena wise crumbles and my flock loves it no waste
ReplyDeleteI currently use dumore layer feed.
ReplyDeleteI hope I can find a nutrena dealer locally, this sounds like an excellent feed to use!
ReplyDeleteDuring the summer our girls have total run of the yard! They love roaming looking for yummy snacks that I "hide" out there for them, along with normal grasses and such that they find. We buy an organic layer mash from the feed store in our town, and Nutrena layer feed. Two different feeders, and the girls get to pic what they want. They also love to eat out of the bird feeders on the deck railing!
ReplyDeleteAbout to get some chickens in a month or two. Perhaps we'll start them off on Nutrena. Thanks for the interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI don't use feed, yet! We are planning to start our flock this spring!!
ReplyDeleteSo if you used NatureWise would you still need to mix the Ultra Omega Egg and Probiotics into the feed for the breakfast of champion layers formula? It looks like it has something similar already mixed in.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeding Purina Layena. Seems to work out fine.
ReplyDeleteNaturewise looks much better though.
Great article as always! We use Dumor and Purina Layena. Our girls seem to be getting a little pickier lately, so we're exploring our options.
ReplyDeletePurina
ReplyDeleteI use Purina feed. My chickens are Free Range and get Purena at night ,to intice them into there nightly pen. I would love to try Nutrena ..
ReplyDeleteI have been using Dumor and Nutrena layer crumbles. =)
ReplyDeleteWe use De Youngs.
ReplyDeleteWe are currently using DuMor Layer Feed. They love the crumble AND the pellets. Usually they don't like the pelleted feed, but this brand is an exeption!
ReplyDeleteWe started our chicken on Dimorphic brand and they wont eat anything.else. We have tried others since.
ReplyDeleteI've been giving my girls chopped kale lately. They love it and their eggs are beautiful golden color. I would love to give this kind of layer feed to the girlsand see how they do.
ReplyDeleteWooHoo! Me, me! I'm a new backyard chicken mama and I would love my girls to try this <3
ReplyDeleteWe use Nutrena Layena crumbles for our chickens. They prefer crumbles to pellets.
ReplyDeleteYolk colors are so rich, and I like nothing better than a couple of poached or soft boiled eggs and toast for breakfast... Thank you for joining in 'Rurality Blog Hop #2' Hope to see you next Wednesday for #3...
ReplyDeleteAlways looking for better food
ReplyDeleteI don't have my chicks yet but will get them soon.
ReplyDeleteI will be getting my chicks soon.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a bag of this food for my girls. I currently use Layena and add Omega 3. Please accept my entry to win this wonderful food for my girls. Thanks so much. queenb@epix.net
ReplyDeleteI would love to try your feed. I use the local Coop feed and have been happy with the results. Impress me.
ReplyDeleteWe use the layer feed crumbles. A great product!
ReplyDeleteI buy Purina crumbles and scratch grains. My chickens get daily greens from my garden, too. However, I wish I could find organic feed locally but it impossible to find.
ReplyDeleteSame here Janice. I know of organic feeds and have tried samples but the cost to have it shipped is too high for me right now.
DeleteI use whatever the local farm store has that day, so would love to try something like this.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing available where I live is Purina or a product from a private mill who grow there own grain and process the feed for different animals like horses and chickens. I'm using the one from the private mill. The inconvenient is that I can only buy 40 lbs bags and for the moment I only have 3 chickens. I'm a little concern about feeding not so fresh food to my chickens. I was thinking of buying a new bag and feeding the rest of the old bag to the deers. I would like to find a new kind that I can buy in smaller bags and available in Canada. I would love to try this Nutrena product. If I win this giveaway, I have a US mailing address where I can pick it up.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this! I'm pretty sure we are using purina (it's what the feed store carries).
ReplyDeleteWe use a locally sourced feed :D
ReplyDeleteCurrently looking at different feeds. Will be getting chicks this spring :)
ReplyDeletePlanning on Green Mountain Feeds when I get chickens
ReplyDeleteWe feed Nutrena for our flock. Just switched from farmer made food, needed omegas for our girls.
ReplyDeleteWe buy feed so far at Tractor Supply and also feed plenty of nuts, seeds, and veggies too. They also love oatmeal on cold mornings.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try your feed! We mix corn, milo, and soy. We also planted our garden area with rye so they can graze and have green during the winter...they love it!
ReplyDeleteWe are using Purina Layena but occasionally use Dumor Layer Pellets.
ReplyDeleteI am new at even thinking about raising chickens! I would love to begin by starting off in the right direction. Looking forward to a long, healthy chicken relationship with you!
ReplyDeleteI usually use Resaca Sun Chicken Feed.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for my biddies coming at the end of March!
ReplyDeleteWe'd love to win a bag of feed for our girls. :)
ReplyDeleteI am currently using Dumor from TSC. I would like to try your feed.
ReplyDeleteI use mostly Nutrena Layer, Chick starter and Scratch.
ReplyDeleteI use Purina Layena Crumbles, and Start-n-Go
ReplyDeleteNutrena Chick Starter for the 3 day olds, and Nutrena Layer Crumbles for the girls.
ReplyDeleteInteresting info. We are on our first bag of Nutrena layer crumbles. Have been using DuMor but so far, like the Nutrena better.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sheila! You were chosen at random as one of the winners of a FREE bag of Nutrena Feed! Please email me at:Fresheggsdaily@gmail.com so I can get that coupon sent out to you. Than you ! Lisa
DeleteI use Dumore feed for my starter grower and layer.
ReplyDeleteNutrena Layer if I can get it, otherwise Layena.
ReplyDeleteJust love this blog entry; a lot of information here!
ReplyDeleteWare Milling. But would love to try Nutrena!
ReplyDeleteWe use Kent feed but think we need to find something better
ReplyDeleteWould love to switch to Nutrena as I am using a layer feed from our local feed store and am not getting the results I am looking for. I am very anxious to try Nutrena--people are raving about it and I can't wait to try it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI currently us dumor layer crumbles from our local TSC.
ReplyDeleteWe use nutrena layer pellets, supplemented with oyster shell and fresh veggie scraps. Great article about yolks, always enjoy learning something new!Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI use Nutrena and love my eggs!!
ReplyDeleteFor my pullets I use Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3, and Dumor for my new chicks. I'm would love to see how they would do on Nutrena!
ReplyDeleteWe use Purina Layer right now.
ReplyDeleteI actually use a mix that my friend makes. It changes according to the needs of the season.
ReplyDeleteWe had been using Countryside organic layer, but lately have been using Purina Nutrena Layer.
ReplyDeleteWe started out feeding our chicks the Dumor brand from TSC and then switched to the Nutrena NatureWise - our hens almost doubled their egg production. We bought another Nutrena variety from a local feed store thinking it was the same but the girls would hardly eat it - so we trashed the rest and went back to NatureWise, the hens absolutely love it.
ReplyDeleteNutrena crumbles. And kitchen scraps. And garden scraps. They love to follow the tiller or shovel too!
ReplyDeletethanks for hosting this giveaway! Ive learned so much from your posts!!!!
ReplyDeleteMostly Dumor, sometimes Layena
ReplyDeleteHubbard is available in my hometown.
ReplyDeleteI mix Layena pellets and Nutrena crumbles right now. They aren't sure which they like yet. lol
ReplyDeleteSo far we use Purina.
ReplyDeleteUse Dumor form TSC and scratch from Producers Co-op
ReplyDeleteJust getting started in raising chickens for eggs and meat. I have DuMore chicken starter.
ReplyDeleteRight now we use Nutrena Unmedicated Chick Grower, but our little birds are growing up and almost ready for layer rations!
ReplyDeleteWould love to try some, but all that is available here is either purina or dumor. Currently I am using purina, but I would really like something new!
ReplyDeletejust got my first batch of baby chickens today! so excited...i would love to use this feed for them!
ReplyDeleteI am just starting with my chickens and will use what I can get at Cal-Ranch
ReplyDeletePurina Layena currently.
ReplyDeleteI use Nutrena Country Feeds, NatureWise, and occasionally Sprout depending on what is available where I am at.
ReplyDeleteI mainly use Nutrena's Nature Wise for my layers and meat birds as well as Nutrena's Country "All Flock" for the ducks and the "juvies" who are in between Nature wise starter/grower and N-W Layer rations. I am thinking about sprouting wheat, oats, and soybeans to supplement this spring. I also provide soaked Alfalfa cubes for forage, since they are confined in the run until the 70 tree fruit orchard is fenced.
ReplyDeleteFrom hatch to lay all of my fowl get Nutrena. I have been very pleased with the results so far. My hens just started to lay last month and so far I have had 3-100% hatches from their eggs.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Maria F! You were chosen at random as one of the winners of a FREE bag of Nutrena Feed! Please email me at:Fresheggsdaily@gmail.com so I can get that coupon sent out to you. Than you ! Lisa
DeleteCurrently Purina Layena as it is what the local elevator offers. Would be nice to have more choices.
ReplyDeleteI currently use Purina Layena Sun Fresh Recipe.
ReplyDeleteI currently use Purina Layena for my chickens.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting chickens in the next month and hadn't chosen a feed just yet.
ReplyDeleteI currently use Nutrena Layer Pellets. My girls prefer it and lay better when I feed it to them. Plus it smells good!
ReplyDeleteI currently use layer pellets from TSC or Orscheln's, depending on which town I'm in when I need to purchase feed.
ReplyDeleteDumor from Tractor Supply.
ReplyDeleteI feed Payback or Nutrena--depending on which town/feed store is most convenient when I buy feed. I can't really tell which feed my chickens prefer!
ReplyDeleteWe just got our chicken this weekend and I found your site today. Great information for a newbie. I bought West Layer Crumbles that is what was available at my local feed store.
ReplyDeleteI currently use Purina Start and Grow and Purina Layena. I have 4 hens 2 roos and 6 chicks.
ReplyDeleteMy current feed is Dumar layer pellets but would love to try e Nutrena Nature Wise
ReplyDeleteMy feed store occasionally does carry Nutrena and when they do - I buy several bags at a time. I really like the feed, especially in the winter when The Girls don't have access to green grass. If you haven't tried it - I encourage you to do so - you'll see the results!
ReplyDeleteI use DuMor laying pellets and scratch from TSC
ReplyDeletegetting chicks in the spring! first time. so, good food would be great!
ReplyDeleteI currently use Dumor!
ReplyDeleteI currently use Poulin layer feed
ReplyDeleteWe have only had chickens for a couple of months, we have used feed from our local feed store and also bought grower feed from Scratch & Peck. Love to try Nutrena! :)
ReplyDeleteI have not seen this available, but we do use the Layena at this time.
ReplyDeleteAlways looking for better food
ReplyDeleteMy husband gets Dumor.
ReplyDeleteMy husband gets Dumor.
ReplyDeleteWe currently use Armsda which is a MI based company. I do worry about their Omegas and other nutrition during the long MI winters!
ReplyDeleteI am just getting my chicks next week, & your feed is the one I am going to use!
ReplyDeleteWe are just starting out going to get our chick in about a week so we are just learning what feeds to use. thanks
ReplyDeleteI actually feed mine Nature Wise All Flock pellets and Nature Wise Layer Crumbles since I have chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Half my flock likes pellets, the other half crumbles. So we mix the two together and that way the girls and guys pick which is their preference. And they absolutely love Nature Wise's Scratch blend. I get mobbed when they see me bringing them their scratch treat of the day. Even our new chicks are currently dining on the Nature Wise unmedicated crumbles so they'll grow up healthy and strong. I really love their products, and so does my girls and fellas. :D
ReplyDeleteDepends on which feed store I make it to when I run out. Several different brands including Purina.
ReplyDeleteWe use a "no name" brand from our local co-op, however would like to try this brand of feed. Haven't seen this brand at our local feed store, only Purina. Theresa/Sunnydale Farm
ReplyDeleteI use the Nutrina non-medicated chick starter (Nature wise line) with garlic powder, DE, and chopped pumpkin seeds. So far, I have no complaints. My chicks that I raised on it are beautiful. Wish it were non-GMO but shipping non-GMO or organic just isn't something I can afford right now. Glad to see what i have is at least something you recommend. : )
ReplyDeleteSame here. I would love to feed organic, non-GMO but at $18 for a 15 pound bag plus about the same again in shipping, I just can't swing it. I do use Nutrena feeds and my girls are happy, healthy and good layers.
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