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Avoid large eggs to protect hen welfare, consumers urged
More than 42 per cent of eggs laid by commercial hens are large or extra large.
“Everyone’s a winner if we simply change our thinking” - Jane Howorth MBE.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is urging consumers to buy small, medium or mixed weight eggs in a bid to protect the welfare of laying hens. 

The rehoming charity says around half the eggs laid by commercial chickens are large or extra-large, which can cause health problems such as prolapse. 

BHWT founder Jane Howorth MBE said: “Mixed weight eggs are currently sold by a handful of supermarkets, but generally shopping habits remain stuck in the outdated ‘big is best’ mindset. Everyone’s a winner if we simply change our thinking. 

“Small or mixed weight eggs provide consumers with a bigger yolk to white ratio, farmers get a fairer price for each egg laid regardless of size and most of all it takes the pressure of our hardworking hens and allows them to do what comes naturally without interference from genetic modification.” 

Ms Howorth was recently invited to speak at the Guild of Food Writers, during which she took the opportunity to encourage influential food writers and chefs to switch their thinking on egg size when writing recipes. She stressed that more than 42 per cent of eggs laid by commercial hens are large or extra-large, with many smaller eggs being downgraded for use in the processed food sector.

The BHWT said: 'Ask any hen keeper who listens to their hens after producing an egg, and they’ll tell you there’s generally considerable squawking, and the squawk seems to increase in decibels the larger the egg! 

'The BHWT asks consumers to buy small, medium or mixed weight eggs to help hens – you’ll get more yolk for your money if you do, and the farmers and the hens will thank you.'

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."