268 Hens From Egg Farm Ready for Home

Vacaville, CA – April 26, 2011

Another 268 hens have arrived at Animal Place's Rescue Ranch facility in Vacaville. The hens are ready for new homes, after spending a year at their previous residence, an egg farm. Instead of slaughter, these hens face a long life of backyard gardening with new adopters. They bring the total number of hens Animal Place has saved to 1,224 in 2011!

Animal Place, founded in 1989, is one of the largest sanctuaries for rescued farmed animals in the country. It operates a 600-acre sanctuary in Grass Valley, CA and in 2010, opened 60-acre adoption center in Vacaville, CA. Animal Place’s Rescue Ranch program works directly with egg farmers who release their hens to Animal Place instead of sending them to slaughter.

“Adoption is a great alternative to slaughter,” says Marji Beach, education manager. "We also work with progressive dog and cat shelters who take in chickens and place them through their adoption program. We've worked with the Marin Humane Society, Sonoma Humane Society, and the Center for Animal Protection and Education."

Chickens raised for egg-laying purposes are sold or sent to slaughter at the young age of 1-2 years. They could live another 6-10, depending on breed. These rescued hens are 1-yr-old brown layers.

“This is the second time we've worked with this farmer, and our relationship will continue,” says Beach. “Our confidentiality agreement prohibits us from sharing the name of the farm, but we are grateful for their willingness to work with us. It just means saving more lives!"

These hens are looking forward to helping out around the garden! Chickens make great companions, helping weed and keep away small pests. Plus, they are fun and inquisitive, making a trip to the backyard an entertaining experience.

Those interested in providing permanent placement for any of the hens are encouraged to contact Animal Place and start the adoption process. Visit our website, http://www.animalplace.org to fill out an online form or call Kristin Rodriguez, adoption coordinator, at 530-798-5115. There is an adoption fee of $10 per hen with a discount for adopting multiple hens. Adoption fees help offset a small portion of the costs associated with rescuing these chickens.

Note to media: Photos of the rescued hens are available upon request. You are invited to visit Animal Place’s Rescue Ranch in Vacaville, CA to photograph or film the birds.

Media Inquiries
Marji Beach
530-798-5114 (work)
marji [at] animalplace.org

About Animal Place
Founded in 1989 Animal Place is one of the oldest and largest sanctuaries for farmed animals in the country. Nestled on 600-acres in Grass Valley, CA, Animal Place provides refuge to hundreds of neglected farmed animals. Animal Place strives to create meaningful change for farmed animals through advocacy and education. Thousands of visitors flock to the sanctuary each year to learn more about the animals and farming. Volunteer classes introduce folks to the more intense ways people can help. Internships are also available. For more information visit, http://www.animalplace.org or call 530-477-1757.

About Animal Place's Rescue Ranch
Started in 2010 on the former 60-acre site of Animal Place's sanctuary, Rescue Ranch is a unique program that involves working directly with farmers providing an alternative to slaughter for a small percentage of hens in the egg laying industry. There are more than 18 million hens raised for eggs in California. Most will never find true sanctuary. The farms range from small, pasture-based operations to larger facilities. The names of farms will never be released to protect their identity and the integrity of the Rescue Ranch program.