Hakoniwa Farm, which learned about the situation of cage rearing and started cage-free rearing, is cage-free

In response to an inquiry from Animal Rights Center Japan, Hakoniwa Farm Co., Ltd. in Mooka City, Tochigi, responded that all the eggs they use are already cage free and that they would support the cage-free declaration.

In addition to selling cage-free egg pudding, they also support people with disabilities in collaboration with a disabled employment support business Warakuya.

The owner said,

About 5 years ago, we went to help a caged poultry farming operation.  The rearing there was worse than we had imagined. Two chickens were packed in a tiny cage, and all they could do was to eat.  In winter, the water pipe of the poultry house burst, and many chickens were showered with cold water and froze to death.  It was the moment when I first learned about the actual situation of livestock farming in Japan, where eggs were being produced even in such a state.

I want to reduce the number of chickens who end their lives in such a miserable environment!  I want the chickens, who sacrifice their lives and lay their eggs steadily for us humans, to be as happy as they can while they are alive!  I want them to eat as much food as they want when they want, without being controlled by human circumstances. I want them to fall asleep comfortably at night, and I want them to enjoy a life where they can drink as much delicious groundwater, said to be the famous water of the region, as they like for as long as possible.  With that as a trigger, we decided to work on poultry farming ourselves, hoping to create a situation where chickens could live in the best possible condition.  I researched about cage-free rearing, making the environment more spacious than the standard, and cleaning by collecting feces every day so as not to smell.  Our chickens are very fond of us and welcome us when we come by.

Last year, Hakoniwa Farm picked up abandoned chickens from a nearby caged poultry farm that couldn’t continue to operate.

The chickens who had been in the cages until then were finally exposed to the sun, and the people with disabilities talked to them and took good care of them, so they came closer without caution. Eggs are the lives of the chickens, so as a producer, we responsibly deliver the precious eggs to consumers.  Although this is a small poultry farm, I would like to promise to the cute chickens who are living with me that this cage-free poultry farm will have a permanent operation.

A strong desire to improve the severe handling of industrial animals was apparent.

He kindly agreed to declare cage free.

What is cage rearing?

In cage rearing, which is the common rearing method for eggs in Japan, chickens are placed in cages and are overcrowded in order to prioritize productivity.

As a result, chickens are susceptible to illness due to lack of exercise, and drugs are used to prevent the spread of illness.

In Japan, over 90% of the farms use battery cage rearing.

It’s misleading to say that that’s healthy, and it’s definitely not natural.

Caged chickens

On the other hand, there do exist a few cage-free egg farms, which allow chickens to roam.

Cage-free rearing  (not the featured farm, another cage-free farm.)

Cage rearing is being abolished all over the world, but Japan’s animal welfare is currently far behind.

A simple thing we can do to reduce the number of hens who continue getting exploited in their cages and go through life immobilized is for the consumers to stop buying cage-reared eggs and eliminate your egg consumption.

People who become aware of the actual situations and make humane and ethical choices today are what will lead to a sustainable future.

Click here for a list of other cage-free companies and shops