What are Some Objections to the Use of Battery Cages?

Battery cages are cages which have been designed to maximize the efficiency of chicken egg production. Although they are in wide use throughout the industrialized world, some people have raised concerns about the use of battery cages, arguing that they pose a potential health risk and that they are are inhumane. These objections are certainly something to be considered when you are buying eggs at the market, as organizations who are opposed to battery cages argue that consumers should vote with their pocketbooks, pressuring major egg companies to explore alternatives to battery cages such as raising free range chickens.

The battery cage design was developed in the 1930s, and it quickly became a runaway success. The basic design includes a slanted floor which allows eggs to roll onto a conveyor belt, making collection very easy, along with troughs for food and water. Most battery cages are made entirely from wire, allowing droppings to fall through the floor for easy collection and cleanup, although when battery cages are stacked, this design feature can cause rather unpleasant results. Most battery cages are also extremely small so that they are space efficient.

From an animal rights perspective, there are a number of problems with battery cages. Many people argue that they are inhumane because the hens often cannot turn around in them, and their feet may actually grow through the wire, essentially locking the hen into place in the cage. The limited space makes living in a battery cage very stressful for a hen, and some hens develop stress responses such as viciousness or self destructiveness.

Because battery hens tend to get vicious, many egg producers debeak them, removing their beaks with a heated knife so that they cannot peck each other. In addition to being painful, debeaking is also potentially dangerous to the health of the hen, as infection can set in. Crowding can also cause health problems, as it does for many animals. As a result, antibiotics are routinely fed to battery hens, ensuring that they stay healthy. This is a major concern for people in the field of public health, as the routine use of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which can be passed on in the eggs that the hens produce.

Some people also believe that eggs produced by battery hens are inferior. This is because the hens do not eat a diverse, nutrient rich diet. As a result, their eggs tend to taste flat and bland, and they have dull yellow yolks as opposed to the rich dark golden yolks produced by chickens eating a varied and balanced diet. These critics of battery cages argue that inferior eggs are not as healthy for their consumers, and that these eggs also simply do not taste as good as eggs from free range hens.

One of the primary welfare concerns is the severe restriction of movement, as hens are unable to perform natural behaviors like spreading their wings, dust bathing, or foraging. This confinement often leads to physical and psychological stress, manifesting in feather pecking and high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Additionally, the close quarters increase the risk of injuries and diseases.

Battery cages can detrimentally impact hen health by causing osteoporosis due to lack of exercise, leading to brittle bones that easily fracture. The European Food Safety Authority reports that hens in cages have higher rates of bone fractures compared to those in non-cage systems. Furthermore, the stress from confinement can suppress their immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease.

Transitioning away from battery cages often involves initial costs for farmers, such as investing in new housing systems and potential reductions in stocking density. However, studies indicate that alternative systems can be economically viable with proper management and market support. In the long term, improved hen welfare can lead to better productivity and product quality, potentially offsetting the initial investment.

While battery cages can increase production efficiency, they may also affect egg quality and safety. The stress experienced by hens can lead to weaker eggshells and higher rates of contamination. Research suggests that cage-free systems can produce eggs with stronger shells and lower levels of certain bacteria, contributing to overall food safety.

Public perception plays a significant role in the use of battery cages. Consumer awareness and concern for animal welfare have been rising, leading to increased demand for cage-free eggs and legislation aimed at phasing out battery cages. Companies are responding to this shift by committing to sourcing only cage-free eggs, further influencing farming practices.

Environmental objections to battery cages include concerns about waste management and air quality. The high concentration of animals can lead to significant amounts of manure, which, if not managed properly, can contribute to water and air pollution. Additionally, the production of feed for caged hens requires substantial land and water resources, raising sustainability concerns.