More Than Just a Meal: 3 Reasons Why You Should Choose Humane Eggs

May 19, 2024

Forget caged eggs - the future of eggs is ethical! Conventional production often raises animal welfare concerns. The good news? Humane eggs, raised under stricter standards, are on the rise. Here's why you should choose them: Support Animal Welfare: Humane farms offer hens more space and enrichments, allowing them to express natural behaviors and live a higher quality life. Potentially Higher Quality Eggs: Studies suggest humane practices may lead to stronger shells, better consistency, and even improved nutritional value. Promote Sustainable Practices: Many humane farms embrace responsible waste management, reduced antibiotics, and local feed sources, contributing to a more sustainable food system. Look for certifications like Certified Humane or American Humane Certified Cage-Free on your egg carton. Choose humane eggs - it's a simple way to make a big difference on your plate.

Eggs are a breakfast staple, a baking essential, and a versatile ingredient enjoyed across countless cuisines. But have you ever stopped to consider the lives of the hens that lay those eggs?  Conventional egg production methods often involve cramped cages and limited space, raising questions about animal welfare and the quality of the final product.

The good news is, there's a growing movement towards more ethical and sustainable egg production. Humane eggs, produced by farms adhering to stricter animal welfare standards, are becoming increasingly available. But why should you choose humane eggs? Here are 3 compelling reasons:

1. Supporting Animal Welfare

Choosing humane eggs significantly improves the lives of laying hens by providing them with more space and enriched environments. Conventional cages restrict natural behaviors like scratching, dust bathing, and nesting. Imagine spending your entire life in a small, wire enclosure. Humane-certified farms offer hens significantly more space with enriched environments. They have access to perches, nesting boxes, and litter, allowing them to express natural behaviors and exhibit a higher quality of life.

Photo: Chickens at their nesting box at Mr. Diep’s farm, a HealthyFarm partner.

2. Potential for Higher Quality Eggs

While not a guaranteed outcome, some studies suggest a positive correlation between humane practices and egg quality. Hens raised in less stressful environments might lay eggs with stronger shells, better consistency, and even improved nutritional value. Studies suggest that eggs from hens with access to the outdoors may have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E.

Photo: Eggs at Mr. Diep’s farm, hand-picked by farmers

3. Promoting Sustainable Practices

Choosing humane eggs is not just about ethical considerations for animal welfare, it’s also a step forward in supporting environmentally conscious farming practices. Many humane egg farms embrace practices that benefit the environment, from responsible waste management and reduced reliance on antibiotics, to focusing on local feed sources. Choosing humane eggs allows you to contribute to a more sustainable food system, minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible farming practices.

Photo: Example egg carton with Certified Humane logo

So, how can you ensure that your eggs are humanely raised? Find products that have humane certifications such as Certified Humane, Global Animal Protection, American Humane Certified Cage-Free, or Animal Welfare Approved on the egg carton. Choose humane eggs – it's a simple way to make a big difference at breakfast and beyond!