First, a Disclaimer

I’m not here to cast judgment. This discussion reflects my personal choices and beliefs, without any intention of criticizing yours, regardless of your background or circumstances.

We live in a society where eggs, meat, and dairy are integral to our diets. It’s often frowned upon to explain to children that meat comes from animals, and preventing them from consuming animal products can be controversial.

It's essential to recognize that you are not to blame for consuming animal products; I was once in that position too. I also acknowledge that for some, especially those in disadvantaged circumstances, keeping chickens for sustenance can be a necessity.

While I believe many can live without consuming eggs, my focus here is on commercial egg production—the kind found in supermarkets.

What’s the Issue with Eggs?

From an ethical standpoint, the answer is straightforward: eggs inherently belong to chickens, and purchasing them supports the ongoing suffering of these animals.

The cycle of suffering begins at birth. After extensive breeding, egg-laying hens are distinct from those raised for meat. Male chicks, deemed unprofitable for egg production, are often culled immediately after hatching.

This practice, known as chick culling, involves cruel methods, with many male chicks either discarded or used for animal feed. This stark reality was a pivotal factor in my decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle, as I could no longer ignore the inhumane treatment of male chicks.

Fortunately, there are movements aimed at eliminating chick culling, particularly in Europe. New technologies allow for the identification of chick gender before hatching, enabling early intervention. Additionally, genetically modified hens that produce only female chicks offer hope for the future.

However, chick culling remains a widespread and legal practice in numerous countries, including the United States.

The Misconception of Happy Hens

In the U.S., over 70% of hens are confined to battery cages. While the EU has banned these cages, the alternative enriched cages do not significantly improve the hens' living conditions.

Despite labels like "organic" or "free-range," these terms often mislead consumers into believing hens enjoy a better quality of life. The economic model of egg production necessitates keeping numerous hens in cramped spaces to maintain profitability.

Hens can only produce eggs profitably for a few years, and there are no retirement homes for them; they are typically slaughtered once their egg production declines. The conditions in which these hens live can lead to distress, disease, and even death.

The image of content hens roaming freely is largely a marketing construct, not the reality of commercial egg production.

In essence, the egg industry mirrors the meat industry but with added layers of suffering. Animals involved in egg production face premature deaths long before reaching their natural lifespan.

If you’re concerned about animal welfare and the ethical implications of your diet, justifying the consumption of eggs becomes increasingly difficult.

Environmental Considerations

While the animal agriculture sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, chickens are not the leading contributors. However, raising animals, particularly in factory farms that depend on crops for feed, is an inefficient use of resources.

It can take up to five times the amount of calories and proteins from grains to produce chicken meat. This inefficiency means that with the same amount of food, you could nourish five people instead of just one chicken, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Although I couldn't find specific data for eggs, the environmental impact is likely higher.

Thus, there’s a compelling argument for reducing chicken farming to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Are Eggs Healthy?

This article isn’t focused on whether eggs are healthy. For insights into the health benefits of eggs, I recommend reading Anna’s article, which presents various perspectives on the subject.

Nevertheless, health concerns arise from the egg industry, even if one doesn’t consume eggs. Factory farming plays a role in zoonoses—diseases that jump from animals to humans—due to the overcrowded conditions, which create ideal environments for viruses to spread.

Additionally, antibiotic resistance is a significant concern. Although farming isn’t the sole cause of this issue, the agricultural industry's misuse of antibiotics contributes to the rise of superbugs, which pose a serious risk to human health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for more responsible antibiotic use in agriculture.

Conclusion: The Vegan Perspective on Eggs

As a vegan, I see numerous ethical issues surrounding egg consumption. I’m not a scientist, so I can’t definitively assess the health benefits of eggs. Research offers conflicting views, but the moral implications are clear.

We exploit hens, forcing them to lay eggs at an unnatural rate and then take those eggs away from them. Purchasing eggs from stores often perpetuates a system rooted in suffering and harm.

Reflecting on my childhood experiences with chickens, I realize the inconsistency in my earlier attitudes towards food. While I loved our backyard chickens, I was indifferent to the chickens bought from the store.

Now that I’ve gained a deeper understanding, I choose to abstain from eggs and all animal products.

For further exploration of these themes, I recommend Ed Winters' book, "This is Vegan Propaganda."