Our Commitment to Corn & Soy Free Eggs and Chicken Meat

We would like to declare our commitment to raising our flock of laying hens and broilers, without the use of corn and soy. There are numerous considerations for avoiding the eggs that soy-fed hens lay and we share some of them below. 

Unfortunately, many industrial egg producers utilize feeds that contain soy - and the eggs that their hens produce are impacted negatively.  

Many hens that are raised commercially, would have soy included in the feed that they receive. Commercial egg and broiler producers appreciate that the soy increases the protein content of their feed, allowing the hens to both grow faster and begin laying eggs more quickly. Soy is often combined with other grains in their feed, such as corn. It is not uncommon for both the soy and the corn to come from Genetically Modified seed. For those seeking to avoid GMOs, it is especially concerning. 

Hens that are raised as quickly as possible, are more stressed than those raised more naturally. This additional stress can cause them to become weakened, sick, or both. The commercial farm may utilize antibiotics, to counter these effects - which is especially concerning to those seeking to avoid antibiotics in their foods.  

In some cases, farms that are certified organic include organic soy and corn in their poultry feed. While their eggs and meat may retain their organic distinction, they are not able to be labeled as “corn & soy free”.   

Why second-hand soy from animal feeds, is cause for concern. 

For those that have an allergy to soy or may be soy sensitive, commercially farmed eggs pose an immediate risk. Soy contains a high amount of isoflavones, specifically a plant estrogen called phytoestrogen. Studies have found that phytoestrogen is present in the yolks of eggs from soy-fed hens. Many believe that phytoestrogen can contribute to hormone imbalances in humans, both male and female. Children are most susceptible to developmental issues, stemming from these hormone imbalances.  

Diets high in soy have been shown to reduce Vitamin D stores in both hens and humans. Not surprisingly, eggs and meat from soy-fed hens have been shown to contain up to 6 times fewer the amount of Vitamin D, than that from pastured hens that did not have any soy in their diet. For those that are concerned about Vitamin D deficiency, it may be especially important to seek soy free eggs and meat. 

Here at Hidden Camp Farm, we are committed to raising hens that are not fed corn or soy at any stage of their life.  

Our chickens will not have access to any soy or corn products throughout their lives. These hens are skilled foragers that love roaming the pastures, in search of: grasses, seeds, insects, and worms as long as the weather allows. On days that are too cold for the hens to be outdoors, they are fed a mixture of "transitional" GMO-free, corn & soy-free grains that include the following ingredients.

Laying hens: Wheat, field peas, barley, alfalfa pellets, flax meal, crab meal, fish meal, poultry nutri balancer, calcium, and grit.

Meat Chickens: Wheat, barely, peas, flax meal, fishmeal, crab meal poultry nutri balancer, limestone, grit.

We look forward to sharing these wonderful and healthy products with you and we hope that you'll be able to enjoy them!