Laying hens

46 billion

eggs produced

171 million

hens

90%

of them raised in cages

*Reference Year 2019 / Source IBGE 2020

Almost all chickens raised to produce eggs for human consumption live their entire productive lives in cages. These cages are piled up in rows and columns (that is why they are called “battery” cages) for an optimal use of the space in warehouses. This type of breeding system maximizes profits, as it requires less space, less labor and facilitates management (cleaning, feeding and egg collection).
However, it disregards that the chickens suffer a lot in these conditions:

Lack of space

There is extreme discomfort due to the lack of space (each chicken occupies less space than an A4 sheet), meaning they cannot walk, spread their wings, or interact socially in a satisfactory way.

Injuries

The bars of the open floor of the cage, which facilitate the outflow of manure, is very uncomfortable, causing injuries to the claws.

Diseases

Overcrowded cages facilitate the spread of diseases, especially respiratory diseases, such as bird flu and infectious coryza.

Environment with few resources

The hens are deprived of elements that are extremely important for their well-being, such as perches, nesting space and material, and substrate (soil or sand).

Beak trimming

To “solve” the problem of feather pecking, the industry mutilates the tip of their beak, a procedure that can cause a lot of acute and chronic pain if not done well. When done poorly, the beaks can remain deformed to a point where eating becomes difficult or even impossible.

Dead birds

It is common to find dead animals decomposing right next to alive chicken, contributing to the infestation of larvae and adult flies, foul-smell and unhealthy situations.

Cage-free Systems

Although inside barns, the hens at least are loose and no longer in cages. In addition to more space, there are perches, a nesting area and dirt or sand to dust bathe and explore.

Free range System

The birds, of specific breeds, have access to outside area. The use of antibiotics or other medicine is only allowed to treat diseases, not for prevention or growth promotion.

Organic System

Organic eggs come from chickens that are free from cages and that have access to pasture. At least 80% of their food must be organic and cannot be genetically modified. Only a restricted list of medicine can be applied and exclusively for treating health issues.

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Egg production in Brazil

46 billion

eggs produced

171 million

hens

90%

of them raised in cages

Battery Cages

THE SORROW OF CHICKENS IN BATTERY CAGES

Lack of space

Injuries

Diseases

Environment with few resources

Beak trimming

Dead birds

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES IN EGG PRODUCTION:

Cage-free Systems

Free range System

Organic System

There is a global movement for banning battery cages.

Do you want to know how
this industry is doing in Brazil?

Learn more about

Laying hens

Pigs

Broilers

Fish

Dairy cows

Corporate accountability

Quem Somos

Alie-se

Informe-se

Contato

Nossa Atuação

Laying hens

Egg production in Brazil

46 billion

eggs produced

171 million

hens

90%

of them raised in cages

Battery Cages

THE SORROW OF CHICKENS IN BATTERY CAGES

Lack of space

Injuries

Diseases

Environment with few resources

Beak trimming

Dead birds

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES IN EGG PRODUCTION:

Cage-free Systems

Free range System

Organic System

There is a global movement for banning battery cages.

Do you want to know how this industry is doing in Brazil?

Learn more about

Laying hens

Pigs

Broilers

Fish

Dairy cows

Corporate accountability

Quem Somos

Alie-se

Informe-se

Contato

Nossa Atuação

Do you want to know how
this industry is doing in Brazil?