Ben Metzler is a Sauder’s farmer. They are a free-range egg farmer for Sauder’s Eggs.
The free-range farming philosophy is the belief that hens thrive when given the freedom to choose their environment. The free-range system allows the flock to move seamlessly between secure, comfortable indoor housing and the natural outdoors, providing consistent access to fresh air, sunlight, and open space while encouraging natural behaviors like foraging and dust-bathing. This active lifestyle reduces bird stress and results in a high-quality, wholesome egg that reflects the vitality of the Pennsylvania countryside.
Key Features of Free-Range Systems
Outdoor Access: Free-range hens have a door to the outside, allowing them to experience fresh air and sunlight, with a requirement of 2 square feet per hen.
Natural Diet: Foraging for bugs and varied greens provides a complex nutrient profile that grain-only diets simply can’t match.
Ecosystem Health: These farms often utilize regenerative agriculture techniques, prioritizing hen vitality and the long-term health of the Pennsylvania countryside.
