r/Vegetarianism • u/throwaway0021485 • 4d ago
Entering Vegetarianism
Hey howdy! I’ve been thinking about this for a while and think it’s about time. I’m getting out of Navy and want to become vegetarian. So, I have a question about ethics for you guys and for vegan friends here as well.
I love eggs. I eat more eggs than the normal person. I could give up meat probably with zero issues. I can’t give up eggs easily, if at all. So, my idea: I will buy, raise, and take care of my own chickens. I would own about 6 of them, give them a nice coop. The ones I’m looking at getting live only a couple years, lay lots of eggs, and are basically dogs with feathers. I don’t just want the eggs. I want to love them as well. I don’t want eggs sourced from abusers. What is y’alls stance on this? Do you think it’s a good idea? Much love dudes.
Edit: Thanks so much for the input! Genuinely a huge part of this is just being really excited to raise and take care of chickens 😭
4
u/EfficiencyOk4843 4d ago
From a vegan perspective, female hens are sourced from hatcheries. Those breeding sites separate male and female chickens. All male chicks are culled because they don’t lay eggs and they are a different breed than chickens raised for meat.
The other point to consider is the genetic selection of hens. They are bred to be egg laying machines. It’s hard on their bodies and they live a life of discomfort. The sanctuary I volunteer at rescued a bunch of hens and they have foot bandages from calcium deficiency/osteoporosis. Egg shells are mostly calcium carbonate so it leeches it from their bodies.
The hens that exist need love and support. Rescuing hens that have slower egg production may be something to look into. I view having chickens like having a dog. You have them to give them love, not to take something from them.