A Space to Stand On {Chicken Space}
A few months ago I read an article on how California has passed a new law requiring industrial chicken houses to increase the size allotted for each bird. It means that the rest of the country will not be allowed to sell their eggs in California anymore. While the law was passed several years ago, chicken houses have been given time to make the changes. The article states that over the years the population of chickens in the state has dropped by 23%. That kind of law really shakes up the industry.
Although on the blog here you won’t be able to see the actual size of their allotted space, the following visual comparison and measurements will give you an idea of it.
I’m a farm girl at heart. I understand that large farmers do things differently. It’s often a necessity and it’s come to that place over years, changing slowly so as not to feel uncomfortable or strange or unnatural. But, it should feel uncomfortable, strange and unnatural. Animals, regardless of their place in the food chain shouldn’t spend their entire life in a space 8” x 8-1/4”.
Next time you pick up a catalog, imagine a chicken standing in that size space for its whole life, never being allowed to step off the magazine cover.
Use that to decide if it’s okay with you.
Use that to decide if you want to support an industry that treats your food producers like that.
Use that to choose differently.
Federal standards require only an 8” x 8.25” (66 sq inch) space. California standards, as of 2015, have increased that space to 13.75” x 14.125” (194.22 sq. inches). It’s not even double, but it’s something. My chix, inside their coop, have 1234.29 square inches each. They roam freely 24/7. During the day they roam protected outside. These are happy, healthy chickens. The way animals are supposed to be.
I love Joel Salatin’s description of how an animal’s life should be.
“A good life and only one bad day.”
This is the life I want my chickens to have. Yes, I believe in eating meat. Yes, I will probably have my girls slaughtered when they’re done laying. I believe strongly in the food chain and my part in it as well as nutrient-dense foods. But, I also believe each one of us has a choice to support a food chain we can respect.
If it’s at all possible, find a local farmer or a responsible source for your eggs. You’d not only be supporting a neighbor, but pulling support from an industry that has declined to a disrespectful state.