The main breeds of our birds consist of Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, and Buff Orpington. We have about 100 hens that are a constant source of entertainment. They are very friendly and always underfoot. We have a nesting room inside the barn with nesting boxes lining the wall and an entrance to go outside whenever they want. Our birds are free to go out as they please no mater what the weather is. We do have a fence around their lot outside to protect the birds from pretators. We have lots of weasels and possoms in the area and do our best to protect our birds.

We feed our hens a poultry layer mix from the local feed mill. It's not organic, but it is all natural. We supplement their feed with flax seed and oats. They go crazy over the oats! The flax seed increases the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the eggs. We also feed them dried, crushed up eggshells (along with oyster shells) which are high in calcium. It's a good recycling program for all the eggs our family eats!

10 Heath Benefits of Eggs
1. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.
2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.
3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.
4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.
5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.
7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.
8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.
9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.
10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

Omega-3
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet
There are many health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows strong evidence that the omega-3s EPA and DHA can boost heart health and lower triglycerides. And there are compelling studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids may help with other conditions -- rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and many more.
Just what are omega-3 fatty acids exactly? How much do you need? And what do all those abbreviations -- EPA, DHA, and ALA -- really mean? Here's a rundown of the essential omega-3 facts you need to know.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Functional Foods
“I think pretty much everyone could benefit from more omega-3s,” says Elaine Magee, a registered dietitian, and author of Food Synergy. “They’re a smart, polyunsaturated fat, and one of the most powerful nutrients we know of.”
Omega-3 fatty acids not only raise good, HDL cholesterol and lower bad LDL cholesterol, they may also lower your risk of heart attack and strokes. Foods with omega-3s are “the functional foods I think are worth the extra pennies,” says Gerbstadt. At the supermarket, look for whole foods rich in omega-3s like salmon, walnuts and flax, as well as functional foods such as omega-3-rich eggs, breads, milk, soy milk, and cereal.
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More Health Benefits of Eggs

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