A statewide campaign to end the adverse treatment of hens in battery cages has seen around 600 hens rescued and rehomed in the Central West.
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The 'Let the Ladies Go' campaign was founded four years ago by Tania Daykin to advocate for an end to the cruelty and exploitation of chickens in the egg and meat industries.
Ms Daykin co-ordinated the region's first rehoming operation in June alongside Central West Animal Justice Party [AJP] delegate, Queenie Green.
Ms Green said the campaign gives hens a chance to live out their normal lifespan free from cruelty.
"The average lifespan of hens in battery cages is about 18 months, where they are then classed as at the end of their life and disposed of," she said.
"Hens can live as long as 10 years, and this campaign allows them a chance at life after the battery farm."
Ms Green said the hens are liberated from farms prior to their disposal, and are received in goodwill from farmers.
However, she said the trauma of cages has a profound impact on a hen's well-being.
"As there's generally multiple hens per cage, they don't have a chance to display natural behaviours such as the spreading of wings or dust bathing," she said.
"For their entire lives, they have a designated area slightly smaller than an A4 sheet of paper, and receive only one drop of water each time they are fed.
"The lack of space places significant strain on their bodies with most hens losing all their feathers, and some develop osteoporosis due to an inadequate diet."
According to Voiceless, a nationwide not-for-profit animal protection charity, there is an estimated 11 to 12 million hens in Australia confined to battery farms.
Five of the 600 rescued hens have gone into the care of Rahamim Ecology Centre, and Ms Green has commended the families in the region who have reached out to the cause.
"A lot of people who took part in the adoption process have sent me photos of the hens looking very much at home enjoying sunshine for the first time," she said.
"The trauma of cages can make rescued hens skittish and flighty at first but with proper love, nutrition and education, they can become a valued member of the family."
A second rehoming operation is planned for November, and Ms Green said it's pleasing to see a growing awareness for the issue of animal cruelty in the region.
For those interested in adopting a rescued hen, contact Ms Daykin on 0415258915 or Ms Green through the AJP Central West Regional Group Facebook page.