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In the UK there are various schemes to rehome at least some of the ex battery hens (spent hens) at the end of their working life, but here in Australia I am unaware of any such scheme. Once layers reach 2-3 years old (sometimes younger) they stop producing as many eggs and since the egg industry is all about profit, that means one thing…slaughter. I am interested in re-homing some of these old girls (actually not that old, since hens can live until about 12 years old).

I think by adopting some of these ‘spent hens’ I can help to educate people not only of the state of the hens once they have spent 2 years in a battery cage, but also how wonderful chickens are – as friends not food.

I decided to call my local battery farm and ask a few questions. I did not mention animal rights as I did not want to scare them off, instead I acted as an interested person who would like some chickens as pets. Considering this farmer has stated in a local paper that he, “loves the chickens” it was interesting to see how he was unable to envisage them as anything but profit making machines.

Me: Hi there, Just wondering whether you sell chickens there or just eggs?

Farmer: Yeah we sell chickens too. There’s a waiting list though, so…

Me: Um a waiting list? Is that for new chickens coming in?

Farmer: Yeah they’re young birds. Should be delivered end of July.

Me: Sorry, I was enquiring about the old birds. You know the ones who aren’t as productive anymore. Do you sell any of those?

Farmer: Oh…the old ones. Well we’re getting rid of the old ones in July, but they don’t lay many eggs anymore so you won’t want them.

Me: That’s ok, I was just looking for them as pets, so I’m not really worried about eggs.

Farmer: You don’t seem to understand…These are old hens, they won’t lay eggs and you will still have to feed them. They look really old.

Me: That’s fine by me I don’t mind about the eggs. How old are they?

Farmer: They’re 2, some could be 3 years old, but they look old you know?

Me: Yeah I understand. So how long do chickens live for?

Farmer: Well they live forever, but you still have to feed them and you don’t get any eggs in return, so there’s no point… Anyway these old birds are going to the Land of God.

Me: Right. So would I be able to get some of those birds that are being sent off?

Farmer: Hang on… (Yells off into distance) Hey…Are we going to sell any of the old ones?

Farmer: (to me) No not now, you would have to phone back mid July. You should just get the young chickens that way you can get eggs. I’ll put you down for that. Otherwise it’s like throwing food into a bin and not getting anything back.

Me: (think to myself – well I would save a happy little life) OK I’ll phone back at the beginning of July, but I am interested in the old chickens. The ones that are being sent to slaughter.

Farmer: Well maybe I could sell them for a dollar, but you will probably regret it when you don’t get any eggs. You do realise that you have to feed chickens? Even if they don’t lay eggs?

Me: Yes, thank you for your time. I will talk to you in July.

I think we both left that conversation feeling a bit confused. All I know is that after suffering in a cage for 2 years these hens deserve a break.