Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Rescued hens: the perfect holiday gift

If you live in the Bay Area, there's a great opportunity for you to adopt a hen recently rescued from the slaughterhouse.

Amelia Glynn shares the news over on Tails of the City:
More than 600 California hens destined for the slaughterhouse are now looking forward to being home for the holidays (maybe even in yours).

The hens were rescued from an egg-producing factory farm over the weekend as part of a joint effort spearheaded by Animal Place of Vacaville and supported by the Marin Humane Society, The Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County and other local agencies. They hope to adopt out the now homeless (but happy) hens to suitable families as egg-laying pets.

According to Suzanne Golt, the Marin Humane Society's executive director, each year more than 250 million hens are killed after the age of two because their egg production no longer supports the bottom line. Of the 140 birds her organization took in she says, "These hens now have the opportunity to spread their wings and enjoy a dust bath for the first time."

If you'd like to start raising your own small flock of egg-laying hens, this is a great opportunity to pick a few up in time to have your own fresh eggs for the holidays. Contact The Marin Humane Society at 415.506.6225 or the Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County at 707.542-0882. Hens are also available for adoption through Animal Place in Vacaville.

Thanks, Amelia, for the tip!

2 comments:

Granny Annie said...

I'm betting the adoption costs are more than purchasing at the chicken swap meet. Otherwise it sounds like a great idea. My girls certainly love their dust baths! (Probably tomorrow they will be having snow baths.)

The DINKs said...

I love it!! I just got "the call" on Monday from a friend of a friend who cannot keep his chickens any longer (they are apparently illegal in his city). He managed to get a 'stay' for them until we can pick them up on Saturday.

So many things to learn....feeding, carrying, dogs, cold weather care, runs.... I can't wait to get home tonight to devour your blog!

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