Hen rescue run this weekend across Kildare

This weekend will see Susan Anderson and her team of volunteers take to the road with hundreds of battery hens needing a forever home or they literally will face the slaughterhouse, writes Rose Barrett.

These are hens aged 13-15 months; the hens take a little break from egg-laying at that age, but will resume again albeit with up to 10% less production rate, a massive loss to a big egg outlet. So hence, every year, major battery operators cull the flock and these chucks get the chop.

Having lived in cramped surroundings with no natural light or outdoor time, it’s a sad end to a sad life. Saturday and Sunday next, September 11 and 12, Little Hills will be calling to venues across Co Kildare and Wicklow, along with a countrywide rescue run, to meet people willing to rescue the hens.

Battery hens are partially feathered, as they lose the plumage without access to natural light. However, they survive years after their confinement, and love their new found freedom. “They will lay eggs for you every day,” said Susan Anderson, founder of Little Hills. “They make great companions and have funny little personalities. Please help us save this little chucks from the slaughter house!”

For full listing, see the sanctuary's Facebook page. Numbers of chickens required and towns must be sent via private message, along with your mobile number, to the Facebook page. Orders can only be taken and confirmed this way.

Rescuers must bring adequate carriers to collect the hens, cat carriers, cardboard boxes with lots of air holes, dog crates, one carrier per two hens please. Check Dept of Agriculture website for regulations — an adoption fee per hen applies.

Little Hills Hen Rescue next weekend, an eggs-cellent way to have fresh eggs every day, and you’ll be saving a chuck from a grim fate. All runs are subject to change or cancellation so early confirmation is vital.

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