Why are eggs not vegan?
Eggs are often considered non-vegan because they come from animals and involve animal exploitation. Vegans choose to avoid consuming any animal products, including eggs, as part of their commitment to reducing harm to animals and promoting animal welfare.
The issue with eggs is that in order to produce them, hens must lay them. To ensure a consistent supply of eggs, many commercial egg farms keep hens in cramped cages or enclosures where they cannot engage in natural behaviors such as walking, spreading their wings, or nesting. These conditions can cause physical discomfort, stress, and injury to the hens.
Additionally, male chicks (who do not lay eggs) are considered useless by the egg industry and are often killed shortly after hatching. This practice is known as “sexual selection” and results in the death of millions of male chicks each year.
Some people argue that free-range or pasture-raised eggs are more ethical options since the hens have access to outdoor spaces and may lead better lives overall. However, even these methods still result in the killing of male chicks and the eventual slaughter of the hens when they reach the end of their productive life.
Ultimately, whether someone chooses to eat eggs or not is a personal decision. Those who identify as vegan believe that it is important to avoid all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, which includes the consumption of eggs.