Second life for retired laying hens (Daily Life 2023, by Karin Hofer) - Swiss Press Award

Second life for retired laying hens

Karin Hofer

In conventional animal husbandry, laying hens only reach an age of one year, as after this period, they begin moulting, a hormonal rest period during which the hens replace their feathers. This consumes a lot of energy, and the eggs become brittle, which customers do not accept. The Susy Utzinger Foundation works with farmers who pass on the laying hens to private individuals.