Contented Hen (Mid States Specialty Eggs)
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Smithton, MO |
| Website | https://msseggs.com/contented-hen/ |
| Market Area | Nationwide |
| Total Score | 850 |
They say: “We strive to provide our customers with the highest quality of fresh specialty egg products and the highest standard of excellence with honest customer service while providing our community with a sustainable work environment and our family farms a financially stable business opportunity.”
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1700) | 850 | 3-egg |
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points. Ownership Structure | 60 | Contract-based production. Conducts in-person inspection on a monthly basis. |
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Brands that only produce organic products make the biggest investments — in time and money — in systems that benefit us all. Eggs sourced from a single operation receive the most points. Eggs of unclear origins and/or with poor oversight receives the fewest points. Commitment to Organic Label | 25 | Sells both conventional and organic products |
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Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards. Other Labels and Standards | 50 | Some organic eggs are Certified Humane (Free Range) |
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Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions. Flock Size(s) | 45 | Average size 18500 birds. |
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The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits. Hen Housing and Exit Areas | 50 | Fixed housing 5ft of door space per 1k birds |
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Adequate indoor spacing reduces stress and disease. With less crowding, birds can stretch their wings and more easily perform other natural behaviors. Indoor Spacing | 20 | Minimum 1.2 square feet |
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High scoring brands provide enough space to allow each hen to fully utilize their outdoor area, and to perform instinctive behaviors without harming the environment. Outdoor Spacing | 25 | Different labels meet different standards with organic "free range" meeting the 2sqft minimum (from Certified Humane). |
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High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round. Quality of Outdoor Access | 45 | Legitimate outdoor access confirmed (no porches) but otherwise no brand policy for vegetation, but outdoor space is rotated |
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Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress. Outdoor Access Timing | 25 | 21 weeks |
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Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life. Enrichments | 70 | Indoor enrichments, including perches. Outdoor enrichments include shade. |
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Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming. Alterations | 40 | Beaks tipped, unknown at what life stage |
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Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish. Chicks and Pullets | 100 | Chicks are certified organic |
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Brands that have low rates of deaths and utilize their spent hens for human consumption or similar score the highest. Deaths, Culls, and Spent Hens | 60 | Below 10% death loss, usually due to natural causes |
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Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points. Environmental Impacts | 50 | Manure composted; working on improving environmental certifications |
| Feed Sourcing | 45 | Brand dictates feed, uses |
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Brands that score well here go above and beyond to ensure the highest animal welfare, taking into consideration their hens’ safety and cleanliness, natural behavior, and stress levels. Animal Welfare | 25 | Some minimum benchmark met, molting not allowed |
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Cornucopia believes you have a right to transparency. Top brands share information with Cornucopia via a survey and cooperate with our own independent investigations. Transparency | 90 | Excellent participation |
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Brands do not receive points, but this information is offered for people with soy and/or gluten allergies. Soy free and/or gluten free? | Not soy or gluten free | |
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Brands do not receive points, but are invited to submit the name of their Accredited Organic Certifier (suppliers may have different certifiers). Organic Certifier (non-scoring) | Mixed | |
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Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form. Extra Credit | 25 | Mid-States Specialty Eggs is 100% employee owned |
