Monthly Archives: March 2009
Tip #150 – Eat free-range chicken eggs
Free-Range Chicken Eggs
You’ve probably heard that free-range chickens are kept in much better conditions compared to battery hens or closed-range farmed chickens. However, did you know that the egg produced by free-range chickens is actually much healthier too?
According to Mother Earth News, free range eggs contain:
- 33% less cholesterol
- 25% less saturated fat
- 66% more more vitamin A
- Two times more omega-3 fatty acids
- Three times more vitamin E
- Seven times more beta carotene
I’m unsure of the reason why there’s such a difference with free-range eggs. I believe it’s due to the chicken’s being less stressed with their greater freedom. Additionally, the chickens peck and eat insects from the ground, adding to their diet. Perhaps the fact that the chickens have plenty of space to walk around and get exercise too? That could be a reason for the reduced level of fat in the eggs.
You could always rescue some ex-battery hens and have 2-3 in your garden. You’ll have fresh eggs whenever you want them then!
Tip #149 – Compost horse manure before use
Horse Manure
If you have too much horse manure, but you still want to use it all, then consider composting it. Not only will you reduce its odour and volume, you’ll also reduce the number of flies in the garden too.
Composting is an exothermic process (i.e. generates heat), which is typically enough to kill off fly eggs and fly larvae. If the larvae are left to mature, you’d be inundated with flies. Composting will break down the organic fibre in the manure, and therefore the resulting compost will be much smaller in volume, taking up less space.
Another great advantage of composting is that the process converts the nitrogen in the manure into a less water soluble form. This means the compost will contain a form of nitrogen that is less likely to be washed away by rain. More nitrogen means bigger plants!