I got rescue hens today

[PortageGirl]

I apologize for taking so long to get this posted, the email from maco5 got caught up in my spam-blocker, so I’m really very, very sorry it took me so long.

Here's the hens, and I'll comment myself about one question maco asked a while ago, if I may. It's about their combs, they're just Leghorn hens with big floppy combs. Not all leghorns have that comb, certainly not the ones I've seen in people's home coops, but it seems like most of the production ones in the big factories have that comb. Not sure why, maybe someone else has insight about it?

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Leghorns are supposed to have large floppy combs, but that trait is further exaggerated in cage layers. They use them to dissipate body heat and birds that have been kept in warm environments grow them larger.

 

[HorseFeathers]

Oh good for you!

It is truly despicable what humans will do to animals. Look at them, poor things.

 

[seriousbill]

While it's fine to take in a bird or two if you want to, I like mac's emphasis on the bigger picture. IMO the best way to "rescue" cage layers is not to buy eggs--ever--unless perhaps from a local small farmer or neighbor. Produce your own eggs and you can be sure you are not adding to the problem or perpetuating the huge cycle of misery. That's the only real impact we can have. It's not much; but it's worth something. I've not bought an egg in over 15 years. And I never will again.

 

[digitS']

Bill, I think that is a serious and admirable commitment.

Good for you

.

Steve

 

[scooter147]

I rescued battery hens years ago, they were on their way to slaughter and the truck was in an accident, the local law enforcement with jursidiction called the the Humane Society in to help take control of some 1,000 birds (many dead, some alive, the truck caught fire). The owners eventually gave the survivors to the HS as the HS wanted compensation for cleaning the accident scene but the owners would not pay.
Anyway, I took 10 of the hens. I was amazed that they had not clue one on how to be a chicken, didn't even really know how to walk. However, in a very short period of time they figured it all out, roosting, dust and sun bathing, laying eggs in a nest box, eating grass and chasing bugs.
They were always the first out in the morning and the last in in the evening. My S.O. other use to say, they don't want to go in, they are enjoying every second of every minute they can, they know what misery is.

 

[scooter147]

Make sure you clip their toe nails. I can't tell if you have done that.

 

[rebecca10782]

Quote:
EXACTLY

 

[LynneP]

Of course by the nature of who we are, most of us are not buying battery eggs!

I sure hope you're smiling now, our tears should be for the ones we can't rescue. The two you have look reasonably healthy and they're in for a glorious life with you...

 

[Ellie_NY_chick]

Quote:
Farm Sanctuary has a strong stance on vegetarianism, but please don't let that deter you from supporting their hard work. The facility in Watkins Glen NY is beautiful and is a great place to visit. They rescue animals from horrible lives. I wish I could adopt from them as well, but we're not vegetarians.

Also check out Lollypop Farm in Rochester. It's run by the Humane Society, and they also rescue abused farm animals. You can visit the farm for free. They are careful about who they adopt their farm animals to, but it's more in the line of home visits and checks and not political.

Anyone who adopts an unwanted animal is an angel. The smile on that pig says it all.