Millions of commercial laying hens are sent to slaughter after 72 weeks; rehoming schemes offer them a second chance and educate the public about their welfare needs.
Rescued commercial hens have spent their lives in cages or crowded barns. They may be fearful of open spaces, unable to perch, and have brittle bones from constant egg production. Recovery requires patience, a safe predator-proof space, appropriate diet including calcium, and companions. Their transformation is remarkable and demonstrates the welfare deficit of intensive production.