Choose Cage-free
Three-quarters of the world's 4,700 million egg-laying hens are confined in battery cages. Nearly all of Canada’s eggs come from these battery caged hens, who are forced to live in a space smaller than a sheet of notebook paper.
Most Canadian egg farms don’t reflect the public’s increasing concern for the welfare of farm animals.
What is a battery cage?
© TBC
Designed to produce the highest number of eggs as quickly and cheaply as possible, the battery cage is one of the most inhumane ways to keep farm animals. Five to seven hens are typically crammed into each cage with almost no room to turn around or stretch their wings. They are unable to nest, perch, scratch or even experience the sunshine, which causes severe stress and frustration.
The hens suffer extensive feather loss, bruising and abrasions from constantly rubbing against the cage and each other. To stop them pecking each other, chicks' beaks are painfully severed with a red-hot blade or laser.
Canadian egg farms range from a few hundred hens to more than 400,000. According to 2006 statistics, the average flock size is 18,368 hens. Hens live in these cages until they can no longer produce eggs “efficiently”, usually when they are around 18 months old.
During this time, the calcium depletion from producing so many eggs, combined with lack of exercise, may cause their bones to become so brittle that they break. Once they are no longer useful, the “spent hens” are sent off to slaughter for low-grade chicken products.
Effects of battery farming on health and the environment
While eggs from caged hens may be cheaper, the environmental and health costs of egg production are not reflected in the price.
Cage systems use more energy and water and produce more pollution. When smaller flocks forage outdoors, the manure can be absorbed into the ground as fertilizer. When tens of thousands of hens are kept on one farm, the huge volume of manure becomes a huge problem. When it seeps into our water, high levels of phosphorus boost algae growth and kill fish. When it decomposes, it releases ammonia, methane and other harmful gases into the air.
According to Health Canada, between 6,000 and 12,000 Canadians contract Salmonella each year. Research from the European Food Safety Authority indicates that battery cage operations have an increased risk of Salmonella infection.
Choose Cage-free
Fortunately, some farmers are going the extra distance to ensure that the animals they raise experience a decent quality of life. And, as people like you continue to demand humane and organic options, even more farmers will choose cage-free.
There are cage-free alternatives in most grocery stores across the country. For just a few cents more you’ll be ensuring that hens have space to turn around and stretch their wings.
Look out for these labels:
* Free-run (also known as barn eggs) — Hens are allowed to move freely in a barn, usually have access to nest boxes, but no outdoor access. However, this label is not regulated or verified by third-party inspectors, so standards may vary.
** Free-range — Hens are allowed to move freely, usually have access to nest boxes and outdoor access (weather permitting). However, this label is not regulated or verified by third-party inspectors, so standards may vary.
*** Canada Organic — In order for eggs to be labelled organic, they must be certified according to the Organic Products Regulation, which requires hens to be free-run or free-range, have at least 1667 square centimetres of space, outdoor access, organic feed, and living conditions that encourage natural behaviour.
*** BC SPCA certified — Based on the five freedoms of animal welfare. All hens must be free-run or free-range, have at least 1100 square centimetres of space, nest boxes, perches and bedding material.
WSPA has launched the Choose Cage Free campaign to encourage more people, companies and schools to make the switch to cage-free eggs.
Do you know a restaurant, company or school that hasn’t made the switch yet? Visit www.ChooseCageFree.ca to find out how to get involved in our cage-free campaign.
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