Animal shelter seeks homes for 650 laying hens

An animal shelter in Vösendorf, in the Mödling district, is seeking new homes for 650 former laying hens together with the Rette dein Huhn association, ORF reported. The hens come from a farm near Wiener Neustadt, and interested adopters can register until September 19.

The 17-month-old Lohmann Brown hens come from a free-range operation and are used to having access to the outdoors. They are being offered for adoption after their laying performance has declined.

Hens can live for several years, but in commercial farming they are usually replaced when they produce fewer eggs. Because they are not bred for fresh meat production, they are often processed into stock cubes. Tierschutz Austria wants to save as many of the 650 birds as possible from that fate.

“We are happy about every hen that can still enjoy many good years,” said Stephan Scheidl, head of the Vösendorf shelter.

Adoption requirements

Hens are social animals, Scheidl told ORF. Tierschutz Austria therefore recommends keeping at least three to five birds together. Individual hens will not be placed.

Animal care staff will examine the hens before they are handed over. Only healthy birds will be placed. Prospective adopters must also clarify whether keeping livestock is legally permitted at their location.

Adopters need a fenced area and a suitable coop that can be closed at night. They are asked to submit photos of the planned housing. No on-site inspection will take place.

The hens can be collected by arrangement on September 19 near the farm. Alternatively, the Vösendorf shelter can arrange further placements. Interested people can contact Tierschutz Austria by email at [email protected].