After reading about some of you getting rescue chickens that have been debeaked etc. I embarked on a research afternoon surfing the internet for information on commercial hatcheries and egg production farms. I AM SO SAD! I cannot believe some of the things that go on. In my mind, I knew they couldn't be very nice and friendly place, but to actually read, see pictures and the videos stunned me. I don't see how people can work in those places. I do not think that I will ever eat a commercial egg again. My birds will live a life in my yard that will include simple things, like room to spread their wings, dust bathe, eat and drink whenever they want. They will also get hugs and treats and if ill, they will get doctored. Another thing that got me thinking was the fact that when I requested pullets, the roos don't make money for them and get dumped. The only way to avoid helping these places is to hatch my own eggs or deal with people locally rather that the chicken-mill people. I may not consider my chickens as pets, but they are living creatures and will be treated with kindness and compassion.
