Philosophical Vegan Forum

This isn't an attack, more of a question. I am well aware of the terrible atrocities of the Egg industry and I went to a chicken (egg) farm once, a cage one I might add and I was utterly disgusted and since I was 7 I have only eaten free range eggs. However I do agree with VeganAtheist that it should be about use and not treatment of non-humans, so here is my question. My parents live in the bush and have a large coop with 11 chickens, however these chickens (unlike chicken farms) are never locked in the coop and the door is always left open (except when there are foxes about as these would kill them). They are fed local grains and fresh vegetables as well, what is the vegan opinion on this? Is this 'slavery'? They are not restrained and in my opinion not being 'used'. Also I might add they are not eaten if they die, if we can we bury them and even pat them when they are alive.

Zed4711 wrote: They are not restrained and in my opinion not being 'used'.

If they are being used for their eggs, it's not an opinion about whether or not they are being used.

It's a simple fact. Maybe you mean you don't think the way they are being used is wrong.

Have you read this: "Do Chickens Mourn The Loss of Their Eggs?"

And when you buy free-range eggs, are you really aware of what you are purchasing?

I've written a bit on this here: http://theveganatheist.com/forum/viewto ... f=22&t=114

You may also find this interesting:
http://theveganatheist.com/forum/viewto ... f=22&t=115

Use is irrelevant, only treatment matters to the chickens. However, systematic use is inherently prone to causing bad treatment, so the two can not always be easily separated.

Soycrates wrote:Have you read this: "Do Chickens Mourn The Loss of Their Eggs?"

That's interesting.

It depends, and if your parents raise hens it should be obvious.

Some hens are broody and protect their eggs. This should not be interfered with--stealing eggs causes them to freak and lay more, which is not healthy day in and day out. Impaction is horrific yet common because farmers have a disregard for the reproductive health of hens. Almost like farmers don't believe in the moderation they espouse.

If your hens like to eat their eggs, let them. They could be reabsorbing nutrients they lost and are now craving.

If your hens are not broody, and they don't eat their eggs, and they just lay in the dirt or grass and carry on, there is nothing wrong with taking that egg. Eat it, let your dog have it, whatever.

If you kill your hens for meat when they stop laying, congratulations, you see animals as property, not companions. Therefore your intentions were exploitive all along.