Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty

that is so sad

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty

I have a question. If the USDA is the one labeling the organic meats, and they are claiming hormone-free, antibiotic-free and cage-free, is that the same thing? I guess what I am trying to distinguish is if they go so far as to label the hormone free, etc, is that the company adding information above & beyond what is required by the USDA?

I just want to know as I am buying organic poultry, eggs and fish for DH & intend to give organic products of this sort to DS when he is old enough.

What about organic milks?

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty

Thank you so much for posting this!!!

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty

Posted by imthecindyofcindyandkevin

Omg!!!

PLEASE put a warning in your subject title, "graphic pics". Some people might not be able to stomach those images, esp if they were expecting more pics of your pretty chicken.

TIA!!

Message edited 1/26/2008 7:27:20 PM.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty

I haven't been online much to reply. I apologize to those that found the pictures too graphic.

I'll try to answer the questions I was asked. I am not an expert on this subject but I have read numerous books, I participate in several online communities that deal specifically with these issues and I raise my own flock of laying chickens so I have first hand experience with them in general.

I am not a vegetarian or vegan, I personally do not believe humans have evolved to a point that they should eat a meat free diet-I prefer to be more of a locavore. This is my opinion, I respect anyone that disagrees & don't wish to debate who is right.

I buy my meat & poultry from many places & I'm still trying to determine "the best" place, but i like supporting local businesses. I buy Murrays and Bell & Evans in the supermarket, I buy from my butcher in wading river, I buy from miloski's poultry farm in calverton. I love murrays because they focus on being "certified humane"(which the crooked USDA doesn't regulate & having eco friendly packaging. They even have coupons on their website.
murrays
bell and evans
empire kosher

I have no real proof that the chickens raised by these companies are living the best life, but I feel comfortable that a genuine effort is being made to raise them humanely. I also buy kosher products because I know sick animals will not be processed & the standards are higher.

I am not a fan of the USDA or their certifications, I do not believe that just because they certify something as organic it is automatically any healthier for us.

Lifeisgreat brought up the "free range" point, I believe it is vital for egg layers to have access to pastures, however my extensive research on chickens & small farmers I met online that raise meat chickens have convinced me that free range can posses a large risk for broiler chickens. A clean, large coop setting ideally with natural daylight and the ability for the birds to roam freely & access water & food "free choice" (which is crucial in poultry keeping) can produce very healthy, happy birds.
It is the over-crowed, unsanitary, diseased, dark warehouses that the majority of our poultry is raised in that disgusts me.
I buy mostly organic & I try to buy as much locally produced as I can when the season allows, as well as growing enough produce for my family in the summer.
I will try to research companies that are "organic" & I buy the ones that I feel are living up to what the name is supposed to be. for example, I prefer Organic Valley milk ( and other products) because it is a co-op of small farmers-that is the effort I want to support. These products sell for a premium because the demand is still low vs how much the agri-business companies produce. Its just like your local hardware store trying to beat home depots price, its not going to happen unless everyone changes their mindset.

As for eggs, if I were to buy them from the store I'd look for the Omega-3, free range, organic eggs. The color of the shell means nothing as far as nutrition goes. smaller egg farmers tend to keep breeds that produce brown eggs(as do I) whereas large commercial poultry companies like white eggs layers because they have higher production rates.

I thank those people that said they appreciate these topics.

Message edited 1/26/2008 7:32:46 PM.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

They all suffer, every one of them, regardless of why the label says.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

I had a japenese chicken as a pet growing up and all I can say is that they are very smart animals. What a sin

Message edited 1/28/2008 7:54:42 PM.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Those pictures are sad. I have seen the video of the chickens that are raised for KFC, and that was sickenig. Thank you for sharing with us and letting people know the reality of how these animals are treated.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Posted by BlessedMommy

I had a japenese chicken as a pet growing up and all I can say is that they are very smart animals. What a sin

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Posted by KellyFG

Posted by BlessedMommy

I had a japenese chicken as a pet growing up and all I can say is that they are very smart animals. What a sin

very cool, did you grow up on LI?
Chickens actually are great pets!

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

My reference to they all suffer is the ones you purchase. If anyone believes that because the label says organic etc. there is no suffering or abuse then you have been misled.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Kelly, Thank you for your responses to our questions.

I actually was vegetarian for a long time (well macrobiotic actually) but I have problems with protein absorption since an illness and had to re-introduce small amounts of meats. I still stay away from red meats, except for the occasional steak (and I try to buy organic, hormone-free, etc), but b/c DH eats mostly poultry this is what I find myself buying. I thank you for the information and for mentioning the co-op of smaller farmers. I wish there were more of these, but the costs are considerable.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Not only is it helpful and enlightening...it is TRUTH! After all isn't it about the animals?

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

I am so done with this board and you can quote that.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

I have always been sickened by the treatment of these animals. There is no need for it.

Re: for those that think my chicken is pretty* graphic pics*

Message edited 1/30/2008 10:23:07 PM.