Rescue Hen Update!

The little rescue hens I got a couple of weeks ago (second group) from the Battery Hen Adoption Program were in very poor condition - a good reminder about the conditions we are actively supporting by buying cage eggs. They were pale, almost featherless, struggling to stand and walk, and generally sad little creatures. It breaks my heart to think of animals treated as egg producing machines like this. You can see the oppression in their eyes.

Well, they are still in poor condition a few weeks on, still resembling scrawny, half plucked roasting chickens, but they are much happier little girls. We've seen sunbaking, dustbathing, scratching and scrap eating in excess. A few were so confused about what to do first, they would lie down with their featherless wings up to catch the sun and have their heads in the scrap bowl, eating at the same time. Such extravagance! Grass is still a bit of a mystery, but the kitchen scraps are being gobbled up in no time. Dirt was a totally new and very interesting substance to have on their feet!

The first group are being less than hospitable and behaving like spoilt brats (and they are just that). Regardless, they are all beginning to blend together and become friendly. They have a lot of life left to live in chooky retirement on the mountain!

If you are able to adopt some hens or donate to the cause, please visit the website at Homes For Hens.