We are a protestor organisation based in South Africa. We want to stop fellow South Africans supporting:
We call ourselves "Mothers-for-Hens" and our aim is to educate the consumer in buying only organic, free range eggs and chickens.
Since these chicks were bred without the comfort and protection of their mothers, we have decided to be their "mothers" and fight for their humane treatment.
We don't necessarily want you to stop eating chickens or eggs - we just want you to eat organic free range eggs and chickens.
This is the statement from Woolworths: (If they can do it - all the others can too?)In 2004, we were the first and are still the only South African retailer to declare the following statement: we only sell eggs laid by hens that are not kept in cages. (barn eggs and free range eggs).
In October 2006, we will only be selling eggs that come from free range hens NOT barns hens. (free range eggs only).
The Woolworths animal welfare policy adheres to the 5 freedoms internationally accepted as the basis for the ethical and humane treatment of animals. These are:
Woolworths free-range eggs are laid by hens that roam freely outdoors in the day and snuggle up in their barn at night. They are fed a vegetarian diet of grains and pulses with no animal by-products or fishmeal. The diet of the omega-3 free range chickens is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and organic selenium. Omega-3 fatty acids are not naturally produced by the human body so it's essential for us to include them as part of balanced diet. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that also protects the omega-3 fats. Selenium is vital to the neutral "detox" process in the body and acts as an anti-oxidant which neutralises harmful free radicals. Organic free range eggs are produced in conditions audited by Ecocert, international monitoring body, to ensure that international organic farming practices are followed. These hens feed freely on an organically certified wheat-based vegetarian diet that contains no animal by-products or fishmeal. The yolks of the organics eggs are naturally paler due to the wheat�based diet.
The Woolworths Difference is evident in its supply of selected, unsoiled Grade 1 eggs that have been freshly laid in nesting boxes. Each egg (except omega-3 and organic eggs) carries its own sell-by date on the shell in food grade ink. This is your guarantee of quality, traceability and optimum freshness.
Egg Facts (can be used - did you know):
CHICKENS
Conventional : Up to 40,000 birds kept under artificial light in a closed shed. They are bred to reach slaughter weight within about 40 days. They can be treated with antibiotics on veterinary advice and are routinely vaccinated. The cheapest table birds.
Free range : Must have access to open-air runs that are covered with grass or other vegetation. Feed must contain at least 70% cereals. They can be given chemically treated feed and be treated with drugs.
Free-range corn-fed : Reared as free range but are fed at least 50% maize, which gives the meat a golden colour.
Organic : Chickens that have access to open-air runs and, where possible, are given 100% organic feed. Use of antibiotics and vaccinations is not meant to be allowed and they are kept in smaller flocks. They are the most expensive table chickens.
EGGS
Caged hens : Kept in closed sheds with a floor space equivalent to an A4 piece of paper. More than 60% of the ZA's 30m hens are housed in the battery cage system.
Barn hens : Kept in loose flocks confined within a shed. They are provided with perches, nest boxes and litter areas. Animal welfare groups compare conditions to a “crowded football terrace”.
Free range : Kept in large sheds in flocks of up to 16,000. The birds have access to open-air range, may be “beak-trimmed” and can have chemically treated feed.
Organic : Smaller flocks of up to 2,000 and should have access to open-air runs. They should be fed 100% organic feed, not be beak-trimmed or given routine vaccinations.
