There are several alternatives to the current standard production methods used in Canada. These include certified organic, free-range and free-run eggs. There are also many easy egg-substitutes for people who choose not to use eggs at all.
Vancouver Humane Society research has determined that the most humane systems presently operating in Canada are Certified Organic Association of BC (COABC) and Pro-cert certified organic egg production systems. Eggs certified by these two organizations are produced in higher welfare systems where hens can behave more naturally. In British Columbia, all BCSPCA Certified egg farms also meet certified organic standards.
Free-Range
Generally speaking, free-range eggs come from chickens who have some access to the outside, depending on the weather. They may or may not have litter. They may or may not be overcrowded. They may or may not have access to nests and perches.
In British Columbia, there is also a BC Specialty Egg Certified Free-range egg, which may have higher standards than conventional battery systems (but not as high as Pro-cert and COABC certified organic systems or BCSPCA Certified). However, there is still no audit system in place to ensure these standards are being met.
Free-Run
Generally speaking, free-run eggs come from hens who are kept indoors in large barns. They have no access to the outdoors and may or may not have litter in which to scratch and dust-bathe. They may or may not be overcrowded.
In British Columbia, there is also a BC Specialty Egg Certified Free-run egg, which may have higher standards than conventional battery systems (but not as high as Pro-cert and COABC certified organic systems or BCSPCA Certified). However, there is still no audit system in place to ensure these standards are being met.
Egg-Substitute
Unfortunately, all hens go through the same transportation and slaughter proceedures, so of course the best option for the hens is not to use eggs at all. Many common, easy to use egg substitute recipes are available on-line.
In Other Countries...
The European Union has agreed to ban the use of conventional battery cages by 2012. No newly built battery cages will be allowed from 2003, and from that date the space allowance in existing conventional cages will be increased from 450 cm2 to 550 cm2 per bird.
While conventional battery cages will be banned, the use of "enriched" cages will still be allowed after 2012. Proponents claimed that these enriched cages will be better for the hen's welfare than battery cages. However, scientific and practical evidence shows that, in welfare terms, a cage is still a cage, enriched or not, and that the birds will continue to suffer. The space and facilities provided in enriched cages are so inadequate that they deprive the birds of the ability to fulfill natural behaviours, leading to abnormal behaviours, frustration, suffering and body degeneration.
Beginning in 2004, a new labelling program will be introduced in the European Union that will identify the method of production:
‡ Battery eggs will be labelled as "Eggs from caged hens"
‡ Free-run and other barn eggs will be labelled as "Barn" eggs
‡ Free-range eggs will be labelled as "Free Range" eggs
‡ Organic eggs will be labelled as "Organic" eggs
Some countries in the European Union have gone beyond these measures. Switzerland banned the use of battery cages in 1992, and Germany will ban conventional battery cages in 2007 and enriched cages in 2012.
http://www.chickenout.ca/battery_egg_farms.php?sbget=sb_articles,1,5,,0,,,;main,1,2,,0,,&sbg=EN,2,
Char & Ziggy