There are currently over 20 million battery hens in the UK producing cheap eggs for the consumer. Most of these eggs are used in the processed food industry and therefore are hidden from view as are the hens in their cages.

The Battery Hen Welfare Trust is unique in that it does NOT condemn the farmers that produce eggs in battery systems, but redresses the balance when blame is placed on their shoulders.

Contrary to majority opinion, hens DO have intelligence, have a strong instinct to perform their natural behaviours and seek stimulation and interaction.

The barren battery cage is due to be banned in 2012; however this ban is under threat. It is VITAL that those wishing to see improvements in hen welfare play their part in helping shape the future of the egg laying industry rather than taking the easy option and blaming the farmer

Rescue

First we locate a slaughterhouse or more usually a farmer, willing to pension off his flock rather than slaughter them. Increasingly we are finding that farmers are empathetic, helpful and co-operative with our work.

Each farmer is different; some point us to the line of cages to be emptied and let us get on with the job whilst others prefer to oversee the operation and in many instances help with the process.

Once we have got our quota, the girls are taken straight home for a rest, health check and adoption.

They are always initially spellbound on being placed on solid ground - they have only ever stood on sloping wire mesh and many curl their toes seeing \'grip\'. Sometimes we have to conduct a huge pedicure exercise as many can not put their feet down properly due to their overgrown claws.

As we lift the girls out of the crates we give each one a cursory health check. Most are absolutely fine - it is a common misconception that birds emerge from the cages unhealthy which simply is not the case - but any requiring further examination are placed to one side.

We never knowingly re-home a poorly battery hen.

After a few hours rest, food and water the re-homing procedure begins. We believe it best to get the hens to their new permanent homes as soon as possible. This gets all the upset over in one day for them, allowing them to settle into their new free range lives quickly and it also gives great benefit to re-homers who are able to watch their hens blossom into individual and endearing characters . a hugely rewarding experience!

How you can help

If you want to help the millions of battery hens, but you do not have room in your garden to keep any - here is some simple steps you can take, without spending a fortune:

Do not buy battery eggs
- that is the obvious one.

Do not buy foods containing battery eggs
In our view this has got to be THE most important way in which people can help battery hens.

For example, Hellmanns are still using battery eggs (from Holland in fact) in their mayonnaise products. Their argument when challenged is that there are not enough barn and free range eggs to make the switch! They would do if enough people stopped buying their products! On a jar is a free phone number for Customer Service - ring them up, be polite, give them your name and tell them you are no longer going to purchase their products until they stop using battery eggs. If enough people take the trouble, it will make a difference!

Take care when buying cakes, pasta, quiches and any other products containing eggs - unless it says they are free range, they are likely to be battery. Start asking for products containing British free range eggs.