Say no to eggs that have been produced in battery cages. Instead, choose eggs that have been produced in a barn-laid or free range system, such as RSPCA accredited eggs.

Scientific evidence indicates that battery hens suffer intensely and continuously throughout their confinement in cages: cages do not allow birds enough space to exercise, or to carry out behaviours such as wing flapping, flying, dust bathing, perching and foraging. Caged hens also lack the opportunity to maintain a normal ‘personal space’ and to escape from bullying. But the most serious deficiency is the lack of a suitable nesting area. Nesting before and during egg laying is a priority for layer hens and the lack of a suitable nesting place leaves hens severely frustrated.
Find out more, here.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Don’t buy cage eggs! If more humanely produced eggs aren’t available in your local store, ask the store manager to start stocking the alternatives.
  
• Lobby your local restaurants and cafes to only use certified free range or barn-laid eggs. RSPCA-accredited eggs are a great choice because the RSPCA regularly inspects farms to ensure the high standards are maintained (see http://www.rspca.org.au/food/overview.asp).
  
• Make your voice heard! Write to the Australian Government Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, your State or Territory Primary Industry / Agriculture Minister, your local MP and to local newspapers. Express your anger and opposition to cruelty in the farming industries.
  
• Send a battery hen awareness e-card!