4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Dodge]

This is a clip from The Metro today.

 

Thousands of free range chickens are being given away because their egg shells are too thin for supermarket shelves. Animal lovers have a month to claim the 13,500 birds before they are slaughtered for pet food. The 18-month-old chickens are being given up as they are too old for eating.

Tara Maher from Brighton Animal Action said "The birds will continue to lay edible eggs for 6 years or so.

 

http://www.brightonanimalaction.org/

 

I have spoken to Tara today, and she told me that anyone who would like to rehome any of these chickens could call her on 07704 221545

 

The pickup will be in Sussex over a number of days, starting on 14 July 08

I have registered my details to pick up 2, only 13,498 to go.

[ChrisP]

That makes me so cross!!!!

 

What a ridiculous reason!

 

I wish I could pick up a couple, but only might (and a small might) be able to pick up one and am scared it would be bullied

 

Thanks for posting this, I have a feeling my number of chickens will go from 4 to 6 pretty soon

[hennymom]

what an awful guilt trip to place upon us chicken people....I live in the North otherwise I'd be down there rescuing a fair few..... I hope they all find good homes, I'll put the word about with some of my southerly friends tho

[buffie]

Please be aware these are free range hens and the organisation has no welfare system in place to check rehomers and they meet in lay bys etc to hand over.

 

Please consider how this helps the hens in cages. Sorry it just doesn't.

 

 

Hens who've lived in cages miss out on homes and the message gets somewhat blurred. These hens have had their life free, this is the best possible life for a hen producing eggs for us.

 

 

BBx

[hennymom]

Please be aware these are free range hens and the organisation has no welfare system in place to check rehomers and they meet in lay bys etc to hand over.

 

Please consider how this helps the hens in cages. Sorry it just doesn't.

 

 

Hens who've lived in cages miss out on homes and the message gets somewhat blurred. These hens have had their life free, this is the best possible life for a hen producing eggs for us.

 

 

BBx

 

I hope I have not just said something offensive to anyone.... so sorry if I have it was totally nintentional

[chelsea]

I dont feel that you've caused any offence Hennymom so dont worry!

 

I think the OP was just making us aware that if anyone is interested in that area there are some desperate hens in need of new homes.

 

I am aware of the reality of what happens to laying hens when they are no longer required (hubby works in poultry industry), but if a few hens are saved from this campaign/rescue then that's alright by me.

[Keanie Bean]

I wish I had the room for a few more as I'm not far, but I have such limited space

 

Sarah.x

[Dodge]

Hi Buffie,

 

I think I am missing your point, this organisation is going to try and save as many of the 13,500 chickens as possible from certain death. They have one week to do it, and any that are left at the farm that they cannot find homes for, will go to slaughter.

 

Do you really think that once they have rescued 1000's of chickens that they are going to stop off at some lay by and give it "Roll up Roll up get your free range chickens ere"

 

You of all people should know what a huge operation something like this entails. A collection point has been established at Stanmer Park in Sussex, and there will be many volunteers looking after the welfare of these chickens and helping to transfer them to their new owners.

 

Please consider how this helps the hens in cages. Sorry it just doesn't.

 

That is a damming statement, it suggests that because these birds are "free range" then they are not entitled to a new life or retirement.

and that we should not be allowed to deflect our thoughts from the plight of the battery hen.

 

Well speaking for myself, I can find it in my heart to provide a new life for a chicken doomed to slaughter, be it battery or free range.

[frenchlayer]

Is there must be something lacking in their diet if their eggs are too thin, surely they should be fixing this or they will have the same problem with the next lot, or are they going out of business?

 

Seems wierd to me.

 

I know if they did that here, you would have people queuing up, taking 100 or so birds and killing the lot and freezing them. They wouldn't say no to an 18th month old bird for the freezer.

[Ziggy]

I agree with Dodge here... although we are very sensitive to the issue of ex-batts, that doesn't mean we like the thought of other free range or barn hens being slaughtered after a short life... rescuing any animal that hasn't reached it's natural end, to give it a good life, is commandable in my opinion...

It might not 'help' ex-batts, but then the loyalty of chicken lovers expands beyond that... my buying chooks from omlets didn't help ex-batts either... the people who are rescuing those hens here might not help ex-batts, but they might give those chooks some happy years in their backgarden as pets...