I had become aware of the horrific conditions that battery hens were going through. From then on, I vowed to buy only organic cage free eggs. Well, since those run at least $5.00 a dozen where I live, it was getting a little spendy. I love animals, and have many. My poor husband made the simple comment of, "we should just raise chickens ourselves, and have our own eggs". That's all it took to get the ball rolling. Although I had never been a big fan of chickens, the idea grew on me. Now, I wouldn't trade them for the world! (And I don't even eat eggs!!)