The lives of hens in egg factories are a haunting contrast to the idyllic images often associated with farming. Kept in cramped, inhumane conditions, hens are subjected to a life of perpetual suffering. These birds often have their beaks painfully debeaked to prevent self-inflicted injuries resulting from their crowded, stressful existence.The cages used in many egg factories are so small that hens cannot even stretch their wings or lie down comfortably. Even hens who are kept in "cage-free" or "free range" facilities tend to be crowded into dark buildings with little or no access to outdoors.



Upon rescue, these hens emerge shockingly thin and with tattered feathers, looking nothing like the vibrant creatures they were meant to be. Many are traumatized, their behavior oscillating between frantic and numb states of shock. For them, the transition from the cold, sterile environment of the factory to the warmth and compassion of a sanctuary is a profound and life-changing experience.

Hens in "cage free" egg facilities fare only a little better. Hatched by machines rather than their mothers, crowded together with little to no access to fresh air or the outdoors, and fed just enough to keep them laying eggs, they too are killed as soon as they begin to lay fewer eggs.

Fanny's story exemplifies the resilience and unique personalities of these birds. Fanny endured an 18-month term in an egg factory before coming to our original sanctuary site in Maryland. Her friend Scout was a bold explorer with no interest at all in humans. Her friend Diamonda was shy and flighty. Fanny herself was an extrovert of the highest order. She liked visitors and excitement and changes of pace. She appointed herself our official greeter and donation taker!

Fanny's other friends included gentle Carmen, who had been with her in the egg factory; a strong-willed hen called Darwin, who had lost a wing in a freak accident but didn't let that slow her down; and a delicate but tenacious half-blind hen called Felicia who befriended and helped to raise the chicks of a hen rescued from a breeder of birds for cockfighting. These friendships showcased the capacity for hens to form deep connections with each other, despite their vastly different backgrounds and experiences.

While there are many egg substitutes to choose from these days, nothing beats tofu as an affordable and versatile alternative to scrambled eggs. Try this simple Southwest Scrambled Tofu recipe from Minimalist Baker. Once you are comfortable making scrambled tofu, venture out to try different spices and mix-ins! For a full list of egg substitutes, see our guide to 26 alternatives to eggs.

For a vivid description of life in an egg factory, as well as a heartening story of brave rescuers, read the online essay I Know Why the Caged Birds Scream by VINE cofounder pattrice jones. For a book about hens and other chickens, read For the Birds: From Exploitation to Liberation, written by United Poultry Concerns founder Karen Davis with an afterword by pattrice.