> You lose any moral high ground if you still consume things willingly that kills animals

Veganism: a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practicable — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.

As far as is possible and practicable.

> why not eat chicken eggs occasionally

Eggs are not better:

- Animal Exploitation: The egg industry involves practices that vegans find ethically objectionable. Chickens raised for egg production are often subjected to cramped and inhumane conditions in factory farms. Male chicks, considered non-profitable in egg production, are typically culled shortly after hatching, which many vegans find cruel and unnecessary.

- Hen Welfare: Commercial egg-laying hens may be kept in battery cages, which are small wire enclosures that restrict their movement and natural behaviors. Alternatives such as "cage-free" or "free-range" systems still often involve crowded and stressful conditions for hens. Vegans aim to avoid supporting these practices by not consuming eggs.

- Environmental Impact: Egg production can have environmental implications. Large-scale egg farms contribute to issues such as water pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. By abstaining from eggs, vegans aim to reduce their ecological footprint and promote more sustainable food choices.

- Alternative Options: With the availability of plant-based alternatives, such as tofu, chickpea flour, or commercial egg substitutes made from plant ingredients, vegans have options to replace eggs in recipes and dishes. These alternatives provide similar functionalities without the ethical concerns associated with egg consumption.

- Stress and Behavioral Problems: Hens in intensive egg production systems may experience stress due to overcrowded conditions, lack of space to move, and limited opportunities for natural behaviors like nesting, perching, and dust bathing. These stressful environments can lead to behavioral problems and increased aggression among hens.

- Physical Health Issues: The selective breeding of hens for high egg production can result in physical health problems. Hens may experience weakened bones and osteoporosis due to the calcium depletion caused by continuous egg laying. Feather loss, foot injuries, and infections are also common in crowded battery cage systems.

- Reproductive Disorders: The high demand for egg production can lead to reproductive disorders in hens. These can include egg-binding (when an egg gets stuck in the reproductive tract), prolapse (protrusion of reproductive organs), and ovarian cysts. These conditions can be painful and require veterinary intervention.

- Lack of Veterinary Care: In some intensive egg production systems, individual veterinary care for hens is limited or nonexistent. This can result in untreated injuries, infections, and health issues going unaddressed.

(chatgpt)