The State of Eggs
Here’s something I wasn’t aware of - battery egg production is to be banned across Europe but ‘enriched’ cages, a step-up from battery will still be allowed. There was a thought provoking article in The Guardian recently that explored the new choices and the reality of free-range and chicken welfare in general.
It was penned by Hattie Ellis, author of Planet Chicken: The Shameful Story of the Bird on Your Plate (Amazon.co.uk
“free-range systems do not eliminate other welfare issues. In crowded conditions, chickens can be aggressive; feather-pecking and even cannibalism can be rife. To counter this, many free-range birds, as well as battery ones, have the end of their beaks removed. Although technology has improved since the days when a third or even a half of the beak was cut off, animal-welfare campaigners still feel it is wrong, though admittedly better than the hens pecking each other to death.”
Onthe positive side there is a rise in sales of the Clarence Court range of Cotswold Legbar and Burford Browns (my regular choice if the local farm has sold out) despite a price premium. Sales have doubled in the past year.
Sadly though there are 30 million laying chickens in the UK with 860 million raised for meat. Only 4% of those are free-range.
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Intenstive free range do still de-beak or beak trim their birds which is why consumers should always look for eggs from smaller farms whom are able to run their hens in a natural state. In Australia there are various accreditation bodies - particularly the Free Range Farmers Association - which ensure that no hens on accredited farms are de-beaked and the highest animal welfare standards are maintained. Have a quick look at our website http://www.freeranger.com.au