Happy Egg

Rating
Farm/Brand HeadquartersSan Francisco, CA
Websitehttps://happyegg.com/products/organic-eggs
Market AreaNationwide
Total Score1000

Note: Happy Egg has numerous lines, including “heritage” and “pastured” eggs in addition to their certified organic line. This listing rates the Happy Egg Organic Free Range eggs.

CriteriaPointsComment
TOTAL (possible score is 1700) 1000
4-egg
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points.
Ownership Structure
75Multiple farms supply this brand, contract production with close relationship
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
50Brand markets primarily conventional “free range” eggs, unknown if suppliers have both conventional and organic production on same property
Additional certifications, depending on the credibility of the label, can demonstrate a commitment beyond the organic standards.
Other Labels and Standards
50Certified Humane (Free Range)
Smaller flock sizes (the number of laying hens per housing structure) offer better animal welfare conditions.
Flock Size(s)
50Flocks of 20,000 birds or less
The best housing offers space for natural behaviors and legitimate access to the outdoors through adequate exits.
Hen Housing and Exit Areas
50Fixed housing barns (multi-tier slatted and aviary style barns); unknown exits
Adequate indoor spacing reduces stress and disease. With less crowding, birds can stretch their wings and more easily perform other natural behaviors.
Indoor Spacing
20At least 1.8 sq ft per bird
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
80A minimum of 21.8 sq ft per birded per hen, possibly more (unconformed)
High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round.
Quality of Outdoor Access
50Outdoor access is legitimate without the use of porches
Birds that are introduced to the outdoors early are more accustomed to spending time outdoors without fear or stress.
Outdoor Access Timing
2522 weeks
Year-round access to perches, scratching areas, deep litter, novel foodstuffs, and dust bathing contribute to quality of life.
Enrichments
75Quality outdoor access offered by most suppliers along with
Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming.
Alterations
70Birds beak trimmed at hatcheries; induced molting is not allowed
Raising chicks on farm or buying them from certified organic hatcheries shows dedication to organic production from start to finish.
Chicks and Pullets
50This brand dictates where/how their egg suppliers source their birds, obtaining ready-to-lay pullets
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
90Below 5% death loss, hens typically processed for food
Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points.
Environmental Impacts
50Makes some efforts toward environmental sustainability; working on improving with further certifications
Feed Sourcing50Obtains feed from organic suppliers that distribute locally
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
75Meets some basic assurances with Certified Humane, plus legitimate outdoor access
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
90Excellent transparency
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
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)
Likely QAI
Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form.
Extra Credit
0None