What are Broiler chickens you ask? Broiler chickens are chickens who have been selectively bred by the meat industry to grow as big and fast as possible for human consumption. Every year, over half a billion chickens are raised and slaughtered in Australia alone. These chickens grow so fast that they reach their target slaughter weight at only 5-7 weeks old. A 5-7 week old chicken is still a baby who chirps and looks for mothering and love, but they have the body of an adult. Instensive chicken farming began in the 1950s. A typical chicken “growing” shed can house between 40,000 – 60,000 chickens at any one time. The chickens have very little room to move and the air is filled with dust, bacteria and ammonia. These sheds are dimmed so as not to encourage too much activity from the chickens and promote eating. Broiler chickens live an awful, short life in dark sheds just so humans can eat them.
Please read Animals Australia’s factsheet about Broiler chickens here http://www.animalsaustralia.org/factsheets/broiler_chickens.php
In January 2012, we rescued five ex-battery hens and four broiler chickens. The first two broiler chickens we met were Molly and Chloe.
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Molly and Chloe were absolutely terrified. They refused to come out of from the dark in the chicken coop. I had to pick them up and put them outside in the sun each day and they slowly became less scared.
Molly and Chloe were best of friends. Molly looked after frail little Chloe and sheltered her at night. Molly used to sleep next to Chloe with her wing over her. Sadly, Chloe passed away in early February from multiple health problems that these birds suffer due to their large, selectively bred size. Chloe was a sweet, gentle little soul who is greatly missed by Molly and myself. She was only 3-4 months old. Her little body was laid to rest, something most other broiler chickens are denied. Chloe’s body will be able to truly rest in peace under the blackberry bushes.
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Lily (below) is a serious girl who is constantly on the lookout for danger. She’s not a big fan of cuddles, but loves watermelon!
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And Matron Maggie (below) loves a cuddle and is a bit of a loner. Maggie’s favourite food is corn and she prefers the company of the ex-battery hens rather than the broiler girls.
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Molly, Lily and Maggie will, more than likely, pass away soon due to their size and health problems, and it’s an incredibly heartbreaking experience for me. But, if I could save them all from their awful fate I would. Chickens are one of the most used and abused animals on this planet. They are gentle, sweet, clever birds who deserve a happy life. Please think before you eat chicken. Your dinner isn’t worth their misery.
Please enjoy a slideshow of these four beautiful girls who have touched my heart. Best viewed fullscreen.
Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally.