On the Day of Poultry
19.3.2023
Man is the last cry, but not the last word of creation.
~ Konrad Lorenz
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Chickens, geese and ducks of various breeds, peacocks, parrots and pigeons live on manor Aiderbichl. They are all intelligent and thus we are far from assuming that they are stupid birds. Chickens, for example, have a pronounced social behavior. They talk to their unborn children and their language is a smorgasbord of diverse "clucking sounds". Each tone is communication and language among conspecifics.
Chickens love music - some like it rocky, others prefer classical tones. There are chickens that appreciate the company of humans, others are shy, reserved and can also become aggressive. Small personalities thus in the feather dress with own character.
Who causes the suffering of turkey chickens?
It is not the breeders alone who contribute to the suffering of the chickens. It is also the consumer who decides. The price must be cheap and too few think when buying eggs about the suffering of the animals, which is hidden behind each individual chicken egg from cage or floor management. The animals suffer behind the walls, in cramped cages or crammed together by the hundreds. Now and then, photos are published in the media, which then again makes all the waves of indignation run high. Unfortunately, there are still too many consumers who think "that doesn't exist and that's not true at all, that's aggressive advertising ...". They are simply facts.
Time and again, Gut Aiderbichl also rescues so-called organic chickens from slaughter. Because they no longer brought the laying performance, they were to be slaughtered. In 2020, rescued chickens were given to private chicken farmers and to Gut Aiderbichl. Dozens of "underperforming" young chickens owed their continued life to an animal welfare activist who asked us for help in rescuing discarded organic chickens. In species-appropriate husbandry, the once rescued organic chickens now live happily. A large meadow, trees where they can sleep, chicken houses and a large chicken coop, are now their new forever home.
Geese that can live a species-appropriate life
Konrad Lorenz swam with geese in the pond and when he called them, they came up to him. He was not afraid of their strong beaks and sharp little teeth. Whether Curly Goose, Pomeranian Goose, Runner Duck or wart duck - you can find them everywhere at the Begegnungshof in Henndorf. Loud chattering the beautiful feathered animals welcome our guests. If the chatter increases in volume and the neck of the goose stretches threateningly towards you, the best solution is to simply move on quietly.
Eggs - but not at any price
On average, a European consumes about 240 eggs a year. The giant poultry companies dominate the market, and trim the laying hens for maximum performance. The consequences are: Overbreeding, animal cruelty, lack of hygiene and use of drugs.
To reflect on healthy chicken keeping, our academy is conducting a webinar, here is the link: 23.4.2023: Live Webinar - I Wish I Had a Chicken
Easter is fast approaching and so is the traditional custom of eating Easter eggs. Perhaps by thinking about it, we will succeed in eating fewer eggs and buying Easter eggs from an organic farmer.
Sincerely, your Gisela
Sometimes I take distance to think in peace. And sometimes I take distance because I have thought in peace.
~ Unknown