The photograph of the caged hens was obviously taken when they first arrived, not after they had been in those cages for a period of time. If consumers saw what caged chickens actually look like (missing large amounts of feathers, with over-grown, pale combs, and often with foot deformities and broken bones) there is no question they would opt for eggs produced in one of the other methods named in this article. Good job explaining the differences in egg production; so many people are confused by labels.

I' m afraid I don't totally agree with all the "facts" that seem to have been presented. Especially on the nutrtional part. It sounds like your standard white eggs have nothing? It would be nice to see more 'backup'. Since Canada seems to have such high standards, is what is printed on the boxes garbage? I have sitting beside me, a carton from the US & one from ON. The nutritional contents are exactly the same. Protien is the same...etc.
I'm a backyard chicken keeper and belong to several chicken forums. We discuss many factors on nutrition and style of housing. Yes, very few agree with the 'battery' style, it is certainly not ideal. I am not in favour of it BUT tell that to the inner city, low income, etc... population

Just a quick comment from a country girl who has been 55 years on the farm and was actually BORN right on the property where I still farm***
I love your comment regarding, what the hen eats you so to will be eating...Just imagine what those free range pastured hens eat on the farm as you pull up the lane to get your treasured eggs*** the farm cat poo they love. not to mention, dog poo, cow poo, sheep poo,duck poo, horse poo, frogs and other small reptiles, which can all be filled with samonella let alone many other pathogens!! Oh the list goes on!!!
Check your CSA,not every CSA has a life time of actual agricultural experience and are praying on the consumer dreaming it is better food! A very very good practice is to leave those layers in their coop til almost dark and then let loose just an hour or less before roosting time so they do not wander too far afield, and comsume those favorite treats! Sure its nice to think they are scratching in the garden or manure pile for insects, but let me tell you they help themselves to everything else...oh they love a dead mouse or two that the farm cats have passed on.This info is to help you think about your choices! Think of the poor farmer too please. Poultry has one of the worst feed conversion factors! When roaming about they are expending energy, and then eating more of their laying ration feed.....but are only able to produce so many eggs.
Also a hen is NOT going to lay forever!! Research her production life span please...you are not trying to keep her around like a pet as her egg laying days wane! She is quite able to be "repurposed" in our food chain.. Be it food or compost.
So the point is...those lovely bright orange yolks don't just come from GREEN pastures!!!
The bottom line is "know the source", and DO NOT believe everything you are told about the "pretty picture" painted of your food source. Theres always a down side to everyhting :) Good luck!