Cage-Free Eggs: Why Are They Better?

Whenever shopping for eggs at the grocery store, you may notice that they come with a wide variety of labels. Some claim to be cage-free or free-range, where others are grass-fed, etc. The labels are there to inform you of how the chickens were farmed before laying their eggs, and these factors can influence the health benefits of the product. The mainstream egg industry is optimized to maximize profits, and sometimes the farming conditions can be quite brutal for the birds. 

In this post, we'll cover the benefits of consuming cage-free eggs and how they can improve both your health and the environment. 

In essence, cage-free means that the chickens aren't raised in battery cages. Battery cages are an extremely commercialized way to store hens to harvest their eggs. While this method is efficient, it can be harmful to the birds and lower the quality of the eggs. 

Poultry farmers are starting to understand the importance of cage-free farming while still trying to maximize yields. Dalton Engineering, a leading provider of poultry farming equipment, states that using the right tools can increase production without sacrificing the health of the livestock. Farmers who shop with daltonengineering.co.uk and other reliable providers can harvest high-quality eggs while still practicing ethical farming. 

Cage-free farming doesn't necessarily require a certain amount of space for the chickens, but they tend to have a lot more mobility than those held in battery cages. 

Compared to battery cages, cage-free hens have enough room to move around and get proper exercise. As a result, they tend to be a lot healthier and can produce better quality eggs. In short, cage-free hens have a more natural way to lay eggs than those in battery cages. That said, cage-free isn't the only factor that plays into egg quality. Poultry farmers need to ensure they meet the hen's vital needs, such as adequate water, food, and heat, to ensure they can maximize yield. 

However, cage-free eggs are saved from the cruelty of battery cages, making them a more ethical choice for both farmers and consumers. Whenever you buy cage-free eggs, you're supporting a farming operation that has a piece of the hen's well-being at heart. 

What's more, cage-free eggs also have significant health benefits that aren't found in battery-caged birds. 

Some key benefits are:

Since cage-free eggs have become more popular, people are starting to take notice of their nutritional value. Cage-free eggs tend to have higher amounts of Vitamin E, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Both Vitamin A and Vitamin E are essential for your immune system, skin, reproductive organs, and several other bodily functions. Omega-3 Fatty Acids help strengthen your cell membranes and promote better heart health.

As many people are aware, poultry meat and eggs are susceptible to carrying food-borne illnesses. One of the most dangerous prevalent in eggs is Salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterial infection that causes a severe case of food poisoning. According to the European Food Safety Authority, Salmonella is almost five times more likely to develop in battery cages than in a cage-free environment. 

Today, there are several ways to choose healthier and more ethical food options. While cage-free eggs may be slightly more expensive depending on where you live, it's almost always a better option if you can fit them into your budget. Not only will you be getting healthier eggs, but you'll also be supporting an industry that reduces animal cruelty.