They've arrived! On the 20th of March, I drove up to the Northside of Brisbane to pick up the little battery girls. They are in infinitely better condition than most of their fellow inamtes and have adapted to their new life in record time. After the 1 hour drive to their home among the treetops, they were removed from their respective boxes - 10 chickens, 3 eggs total. These little girls couldn't stop laying if they tried - years of intensive breeding programs coupled with super high protein feed, climate controlled sheds and artificial lighting programs guarantee thousands upon thousands of financially cheap eggs.
The first glimpse of their surroundings must have been mind boggling. They had never seen dirt, grass, trees, the sky, sunshine, other animals or open spaces. A few were struggling to take their first steps, and quickly tired with the exertion - but continued laying eggs. After a few days their strength and personalities were shining through.
11 days on and we have some crazy girls! Sunbathing and scratching were the first instincts to be ignited, and they are mighty proficient at both now. The nomadic bush turkeys that wander through the yard are now escorted out with much cackling, speed and excitement. By around 6am each morning they are lined up at the gate, complaining loudly and donning their most pathetic facial expressions because they haven't been let out to free range in the yard.
If you are able to re-home some of these little sweeties, (and it is sooo worth it, even for your own sense of goodwill) please visit the Battery Hen Adoption Program website. If you aren't able to keep some chooks of your own, you can still help their cause by choosing free range eggs and meat. Supporting our free range farmers is essential in keeping hens out of tiny cages. And guess what? Eggs are on the list of things I don't have to buy!
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