Consumers Have Choices of Eggs

An ostensibly independent committee of animal ethicists and poultry scientists developed the guidelines for United Egg Producers, considering the space required for hens to sit, stand, turn, groom, etc. (these are the guidelines supported by Martin's research). In coming up with these requirements, the committee determined the advantages and disadvantages to cage and cage-free housing systems, finding that both systems are ethical and humane.

The advantages of cage housing include a higher degree of cleanliness; the hens are kept separate from manure and therefore the eggs are kept separate from the manure. In addition, the chickens can be individually inspected for disease and safety issues. Cannibalism and mortality rates are also lower and feed efficiency is maximized.

On the other hand, with cage-free housing, the birds are able to engage more in their natural behaviors, even though cage-free hens eat 15-25% more feed and lay fewer eggs than hens in modern cages. If all U.S. egg production were converted to cage-free production, approximately 580,000 more acres of cropland, fertilizer, and fuels would be required to grow the additional feed necessary for the hens, resulting in an additional cost to the consumer of $2.6 billion/year.

One study cited the national average retail price for eggs laid in modern cages was $1.20/dozen, compared with $2.74/dozen for eggs produced in cage-free housing.