'Foodies' find hens a bother

Monday, October 7, 2013

Whilst some would-be urban farmers such as those in Waterloo, Ont., are still trying to get permission to raise hens in their backyards, another trend is taking place elsewhere – the dumping of hens at animal shelters.

At least 400 to 500 hens show up annually at the Animal Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, N.Y., reports the National Post. "It's the stupid foodies," says Chicken Run Rescue owner Mary Briton Clouse, according to msn Canada NEWS. It comes as a surprise to owners that hens lay eggs for two years and then hang around another eight unless they are tossed into a stew pot, which many impractical owners are loath to do.

Also, because chickens are hard to sex, some egg lovers end up with useless roosters, which may be against the law to keep because of the noise they make. BF