Caged hens were spared last week’s scorching temperatures in NSW because they are housed in air-conditioned facilities, according to Egg Farmers Australia (EFA).
CEO Australia John Dunn says hot weather “underlines the animal-welfare benefits that are provided by controlled environments such as caged facilities.
“While cattle and sheep will be forced to search for a spot of shade during this period of extreme heat, our caged hens will be enjoying a cool 26C inside,” he said.
“We face relentless criticism from activist groups about caged production, but the truth is that caged production delivers important animal-welfare outcomes, including less disease and lower mortality.”
He says farmers invest large sums in cooling systems because they are aware of the benefits of keeping the animals comfortable.
EFA is a national peak body representing the interests of egg farmers in each state of Australia.
