I was interested to read about Cobble Hills Sanctuary’s initiative to provide agriculture-based therapy for youth.

I feel that egg farmers have been characterized unfairly by the insinuations in the article. Egg farmers I work with provide excellent care and compassion for their hens.

Many of the characteristics of the “rescued” hens are natural bird tendencies and physiological responses. Chickens naturally lose their feathers after laying eggs, just like many species of birds. This occurs whether the birds are housed in cages or loose.  The fact that they return to vibrancy is not a reflection of the care they receive, but rather is a natural process. The feathers naturally regenerate when birds stop laying eggs.

The fact that the birds act afraid of people is also a normal response for a prey animal.  These birds are not excessively fearful of people, it is an instinct that makes them react to unfamiliar noises and sights in order to remain safe.

Egg farmers in Ontario produce safe nutritious eggs for all Ontarians. This job currently requires over eight million laying hens, a staggering number compared to the 40 pet chickens that Ms. Shepherd is caring for.

McDonalds Independent should also be commended for contributing to this worthy project. I just hope that tomatoes and other produce are not the only foods offered to these hens by the sanctuary.

There are many unique nutritional and housing requirements for modern laying hens. If Ms. Shepherd needs information on these requirements, a great source of information on caring for laying hens is one of the professional egg farmers in the area.  

Mike Petrik
Poultry veterinarian