Sauder’s Quality Eggs
| Rating |  |
| Farm/Brand Headquarters | Lititz, PA |
| Website | https://www.saudereggs.com/ |
| Market Area | Nationwide |
| Total Score | 1020 |
| Criteria | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL (possible score is 1700) | 1020 | 4-egg |
Brands that have close daily control over their egg production receive the most points. Ownership Structure | 50 | Contract-based production with a good reputation, but only one in-person inspection of farms and their hens yearly |
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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 | 75 | Brand sells both conventional and organic eggs |
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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 | 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) | 55 | Varies widely among contract farmers, from approximately 6-47,000 |
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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 (non-aviary) housing, exit areas vary, only have natural light when doors are open |
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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 | 80 | Minimum 1.5 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 | 65 | 2 square feet per bird |
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High quality outdoor access includes vegetation, soil, and ample opportunities to forage year-round. Quality of Outdoor Access | 40 | Birds have legitimate outdoor access but outdoors are not rotated, no vegetation requirements but brand encourages birds to utilize outdoor space |
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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 | 40 | Between 18-25 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 | Enrichments required indoors but not outdoors |
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Chickens use their beaks to interact with the world. Authentic organic farmers account for this behavior, eschewing beak trimming. Alterations | 60 | Beaks likely tipped at hatchery; forced molting not allowed |
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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 | 50 | Brand does not dictate how contract farmers source their hens |
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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 | 70 | Below 10% average; hens sold live or composted on-farm |
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Brands that closely monitor and manage health of soil, native species, and water quality receive the most points. Environmental Impacts | 25 | No brand requirements to sustain the local environment, up to contract farmers |
| Feed Sourcing | 40 | Varies by contract farmer; contact farmers may source locally, use commercial mixes, or grow some of their own feed |
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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 | 75 | Good animal welfare benchmark |
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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 | 100 | Excellent transparency |
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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) | PCO and OEFFA | |
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Extra credit is offered for various practices that go above-and-beyond in some form. Extra Credit | 25 | Supplied detailed information about all their organic suppliers |
