Letter to the editor: ‘Cage-free’ eggs are not humane for hens 4 March 2023 Photo of Big Dutchman “cage-free” facility Posted March 3, 2023 in the Portland (Maine) Press Herald Letter to the editor: ‘Cage-free’ eggs are not humane for hens One of your readers asked me to write a letter explaining how cage-free eggs differ from free-range eggs, in response to a Feb. 18 letter, “Mainers should take action on cage-free eggs.” Cage-free hens are more humanely treated than battery-caged hens, who are not treated humanely at all. However, cage-free hens do not go outdoors; they do not range in the open air. Cage-free hens are typically confined in crowded windowless buildings. They are almost always debeaked (“beak-trimmed”) at the hatchery before being moved elsewhere. Though chickens are designed by nature to scratch in the ground for food with their beaks and claws, they do not get to do this in a cage-free facility housing 25,000 or more hens. Chickens love sunlight – they sunbathe daily outdoors. Cage-free hens are denied this simple pleasure. And while cage-free hens would normally live five or more years, they are usually slaughtered after a year of laying eggs. For these reasons, and because avian influenza and salmonella have become intrinsic to all sectors of the egg industry, consumers would do well to consider egg-free cooking and baking. As many of us have learned, eggs are not necessary. Karen Davis president, United Poultry Concerns Machipongo, Va. Portland Press Herald ‘Cage-free’ eggs are not humane for hens United Poultry Concerns is a nonprofit organization that promotes the compassionate and respectful treatment of domestic fowl. Don't just switch from beef to chicken. Go Vegan. www.UPC-online.org View this article online United Poultry Concerns | PO Box 150, Machipongo, VA 23405 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!