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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to be angry with people who do not buy free range eggs?

646 replies

ohnoudidnt · 08/04/2011 19:58

I know that they cost more, but surely it is worth the extra to know the bird has had a better standard of living.

OP posts:
gorionine · 09/04/2011 10:50

"For those of you still believing free range hens live better lives, honestly, they don't. The crampedconditions and the bullying ate, if anything worse than in battery cages. "

Really faverolles? I am Shock! I picture happy chickens when reading "free range"Sad

hissymissy · 09/04/2011 11:15

If we went free range, fair trade, organic, we would go hungry. Ok, so maybe I could eat less and not starve, but I don't bloody want to go hungry. I don't want to be a bloody vegan. I hate vegan food. I have a busy life and I don't want to be a slave to cooking beans and lentils every day. I want to be able to make a quick meal for DS when we get in from work and school, without breaking the budget. Sometimes eggs fit the bill. I don't want to pay through the nose, and I don't want to spend all of my evening slaving over a hot stove making vegan food, using up lots of fossil fuels and increasing my energy bills.

Fact is, when shopping, when I can afford to choose, I'd rather choose fair trade coffee than free range eggs or organic, but I can't do them all.

I don't hate people who choose not to buy fair trade coffee.

YABVU.

thefirstMrsDeVere · 09/04/2011 11:16

I just saw a fox that looked like Noel Fielding Shock

backwardpossom · 09/04/2011 11:33

Grin MrsDeVere!

SolarPanel · 09/04/2011 11:46

YANBU

MarianneM · 09/04/2011 11:55

Those who say they just don't care about animal welfare even if they could afford free range meat/eggs - it is horrible and unethical to disregard the suffering of other living beings. You say that people come before animals. Yes, I agree, but as more intelligent beings we are also able to have empathy for other beings, and to make ethical choices.

Why are you so proud of that, or so indifferent? Even if you find people who point this out annoying or preachy, please reconsider your views. It really is ok to care.

People could in general do with being a little less indifferent about everything. The attitude of most people seems to be: I have the right to choose to do whatever I want, me and mine are all that matters. Well it isn't (or shouldn't be!) really like that! To live in a civilised society you have to take many things into consideration and often do things that you don't want. What is this "I want" - culture anyway, are we all six-year-olds or something? When people only do what they please and don't consider others at all society breaks down. Surely this is not what anyone wants?

MarianneM · 09/04/2011 11:58

P.S. People have many expectations of the society they live in - they should also accept there are responsibilities.

lesley33 · 09/04/2011 11:58

I sometimes buy free range I sometimes don't. For me the choice isn't about what I can afford. TBH if I was sure the hens were much better treated I would always buy free range. But I have read so many exposes about free range in supermarkets not being any/much better that I'm not sure it is worth buying free range.

I have also seen chickens kept in battery pens for egg production. I know some will be really bad - but tbh the conditions were loads better than I have read about in animal cruelty propoganda. And the chickens looked pretty healthy. BTW it wasn't a place kept to show people, I saw inside it by chance.

A family member used to be a farmer and had truly free range chickens fed on good quality food. TBH although others said they could, I could never taste the difference.

mumeeee · 09/04/2011 11:59

YABU. I try to buy fre range when I can but sometimes I'm not able to. Also a lot of people may not be able to afford Free range so they give thier family what they can.

lesley33 · 09/04/2011 12:01

I would like another poster, rather buy fairtrade. I trust that fairtrade food does actually make a very real difference to people's lives.

TakeItOnTheChins · 09/04/2011 12:03

When it comes buying a chicken to cook, and choosing between free range chickens vs caged ones, I always make sure I buy the caged ones. I find it incredibly cruel to eat the happy chickens, who were busy having a lovely life. I far prefer to think that I put an end to the misery of a caged one.

chocolatecoveredlissielou · 09/04/2011 12:05

marianne, the majority of posts to that effect were made tongue in cheek as a responce to the preachy "if you dont shun all animal products you are vile, uncaring people who should burn in hell" comments earlier.

and I would like an apology for your post directed at me last night please. there was no need.

MarianneM · 09/04/2011 12:11

Lissielou, what was it in my posts that offended you? I can't remember everything I posted and this thread is very long to look for them.

bronze · 09/04/2011 12:12

I got bored reading about 3/4s way through but saw laweasel say about drivng past east anglian pigs. If you're anywhere near me (just south west of norwich)you're welcome to some eggs. (and rabbit and pigeon if you fancy it)

chocolatecoveredlissielou · 09/04/2011 12:17

"MarianneM Fri 08-Apr-11 22:44:23
lissielou, we get the message. You don't have to explain your health issues and diet to everybody, honestly."

in the context of my previous posts explaining why I stated that a vegan/vegetarian diet is not healthy for everyone I was asked by at least two different people to clarify. so I posted the same statements several times to explain. the tone of your post is rather snippy and sarcastic.

MarianneM · 09/04/2011 12:19

Sorry about that, Lissielou. I didn't follow your exchange with those posters. And it wasn't a nice thing to say anyway.

chocolatecoveredlissielou · 09/04/2011 12:22

no problem, thank you for apologising x

LaWeasel · 09/04/2011 13:50

Thanks Bronze - I'd love some, but we actually moved away last month [sob] I miss EA!

Original poster
ohnoudidnt · 25/04/2011 20:44

Thank goodness Weasel

OP posts:
gremlindolphin · 25/04/2011 22:28

YANBU

If we all thought about where our food comes from and how is it produced the world would be a better place.

NulliusInVerba · 25/04/2011 22:57

YANBU

I can buy the argument that not everyone can afford free range meat / chicken, but not eggs. Its about 10p difference.

Battery eggs should not be on the shelves full stop.

kw1986 · 26/04/2011 00:04

YANBU

On the very rare occasions I buy eggs for DD its usually organic free range ones. But eggs in general make me sad due to the whole grinding up live chicks :( But I'm quite clearly a hypocrite as I still eat quorn and cakes etc. I tend to live in my selfish bubble and try not to think about it too much.

differentnameforthis · 26/04/2011 05:24

I can't afford free range eggs.

As it is, the cheapest I can get here (Australia) is $3.20 for 12. Which is barn laid. The equiv of over 2 pounds.

The free range are around $5 - $7. That's about 4 pounds (taking an average of $6).

I am astounded that people judge you for not being able to afford it. People need to eat & they have to buy what their budget allows.

I really don't think it has anything to do with anyone else what people put in their trolleys, thb.

I am so glad we don't have the food judging culture here, that seem prevalent in the UK!

It realy irks me when I see people posting on here 'I gave dcs chicken nuggets for dinner, is that OK'...like wtf? Feed them what you like!

CheerfulYank · 26/04/2011 05:43

Actually I just want to have my own chickens, but I live in town. Wonder what the ordinance is...

sausagesandmarmelade · 26/04/2011 06:38

Yes...

Why get angry about other people's choices? People have to make their own decisions based on their own ethics and their budgets.

You can't expect everyone to do as you do.

While non free range eggs are on the market, people will buy them.

Hubs had to pop to iceland for something once and said they sold them there for just £1.00 for 6. So they don't have to cost more....but usually do in other shops.