I read an article in the NY Times that so affected me that I taped it next to my computer screen at work. It helps remind me why I pay above average prices for my local, sustainable or organic food.
The article simply illustrates how egg-laying hens are confined on American farms. Picture a newspaper unfolded in front of you and that is less space than most chickens are confined to for their entire lives.
- 97% of eggs produced in the US are from chickens that live in a cage space that equals 8 x 8 inches.
- 2% of eggs produced are from chickens that live in a cage space that equals 11 by 11 inches. Believe it or not, these eggs are classifed as “Cage-Free”.
- Only 1% of eggs come from truly “Free-Range” chickens that have the option to go outside.
If you are saddened by the fact that a chicken may have to spend its whole life confined to a space no bigger than a newspaper, take note of the type of eggs you buy next time. Free Range = Happier Chickens = Yummier/Healthier Eggs!!
{ 2 comments }
Not to mention how much prettier they are! Sure, it’s superficial, but somehow a bright-orange yolk instead of a pale yellow one does a lot to reassure me that my egg came from a happy chicken.
Wow. I had no idea there was such a discrepancy between “cage-free” and “free-range.” Good to know!
Comments on this entry are closed.