When farmers keep chickens, they disagree about the best way to protect them. One big debate is over battery cage use. These cages are extremely small and contain many chickens crammed together in one location. Farmers like battery cages because they pack a lot of chickens into a little space, making it simpler to keep track of them. But a lot of people think it's not very kind to the chickens to put them in these cages, and that it's not good for their welfare.
Battery cages are purpose-built to cram as many chickens as possible into a very small space. And each chicken is crammed into an area of only about 67 square inches. Let’s put that into perspective — that’s about the size of a sheet of printer paper! Because of this cramped space, chickens have little room to roam, flap their wings or even lie comfortably. Most of the time, they live in huge buildings with artificial lights, and they don’t even get to go outside. This dynamic leads to stressed, depressed, and unhealthy chickens — none of which would be in the farmers' best interest.
Animal advocates say that battery cages can physically and psychologically harm chickens. The cramped quarters mean it’s quite easy for one chicken to pass disease to another. Since the chickens are often compelled to stand in their own sickness, this can result in severe health issues. They have very limited space to move, and they can easily hurt their leg and foot. The other feathers become malfunctions and the failure to behave is also causing stress in their housing system, where they end up pecking each other’s feathers and even injuring each other. These actions are alarming as they indicate that the chickens are not content in their surroundings.
In recent years, the search for battery-cage-free alternatives has received much interest. A good choice is what’s termed free-range farming. On free-range farms, chickens are permitted access to green grass and sunshine when on the outside. This allows the chickens to feel more relaxed and content. Another option that some farmers are exploring is larger cages that allow chickens more freedom of movement. The larger cages also allow chickens to engage in behaviors such as dust-bathing and perching. While this more humane option may cost more to be set up, many argue that it is worth the extra cost to treat chickens better.
The battery cage debate isn't just about how the animals feel, though there are important rules and ideas to consider. Back in 2012, the European Union voted to discontinue battery cages due to grave concern for animal welfare and chicken treatment. Yet in many other locations, including the United States, battery cages remain legal. Some people say farmers should make good choices about how to raise animals in humane, ethical ways, while others say the government should make sure all animals and their needs are respected.
As a buyer, you can select how your food should be produced and from where it should be sourced. When you go shopping, check for labels such as "Certified Humane" or "Free Range" when you purchase eggs or chicken. These labels can tell you that the animals were treated better. You may also wish to support farmers who treat their animals well and give them better living conditions. By making informed choices about the food we purchase, we can help facilitate the better treatment of animals used in farming.
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