Rescued Battery Hens

March 30, 2011

Two weeks ago we received 20 hens that had been rescued from a commercial battery farm. A kind woman named Barbara wanted to do something to help battery hens, so she talked a farmer into giving her 20, then brought them to us for rehabilitation and rehoming. Because these hens had most of their feathers and looked in better physical condition than we’re used to, I made the mistake of assuming they hadn’t been in the battery cages long and would be easier to rehabilitate. So we were shocked to quickly realise that psychologically, these hens were actually the WORST we’ve ever received! It turns out that they had been in a different kind of battery cage, which has solid walls on top, bottom, and all sides except the front. So although they didn’t have the urine and feces from the rows of hens above them raining down on them, they were absolutely petrified of open space and even the slightest movement around them. We’ve had to change our rehab process a bit to help them through their journey to freedom, and today most of them were brave enough to venture out onto the deck. Next week they’ll be allowed out on grass for the first time in their lives – an event we’re really looking forward to! (If you’re interested in adopting, please do contact us.)