Although free range living remains the preferable option, the law now requires that hens are kept in 'enriched' cage systems, which offer them a little more space, as a bare minimum. The new rules are supposed to apply across Europe, but many European farmers were not ready in time for the change over. This means that there's a real risk that British farmers who did switch over to the new system in time to meet the deadline could be undercut by cheaply-produced, imported battery eggs from abroad. So, if you want to make sure you're avoiding battery eggs, it's best to buy British. Even better, buy free range British eggs if you can; that way you know that the hens producing your eggs have enjoyed the kind of life that nature intended.
Since it was set up in 2005, the British Hen Welfare Trust has re-homed around 300,000 ex-battery hens - a handful of which came to live with us! These hens were considered 'spent' at little more than a year old and would have been slaughtered if it wasn't for the efforts of the army of volunteers working for the Trust. Given the chance, these hens make great pets and will continue to lay eggs for several years if they're cared for properly.
We took in our last batch of ex-battery hens during the summer of 2011; you may recall the pictures I posted at the time of the scruffy, pale and weak little creatures on their first expedition around our garden. I'm pleased to report that they're all on fine form now and look a picture of health. Below are before and after photographs of Selma, whose favourite pastime these days is sitting on top of the chicken coop keeping an eye on proceedings - can you spot the difference?
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| Selma exploring the garden when she first arrived from the battery farm. |
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| Selma today sitting on top of the coop - her favourite spot. |
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