Ethics
In accordance with our stance on animal welfare we are proud to present 'The Clarence Court ten point guide to happier hens'. The following points cover some of the fundamental commonsense needs of laying hens; they allow the bird to thrive with their natural instincts, of roaming, perching, bathing and communicating. The suppression of these instincts in the name of profit or convenience is a violation of the animal's basic rights.
Less Is More...
The intensive overcrowding faced by battery hens means they are more suceptable to a wide range of welfare and disease problems. Unable to fulfil basic behavioural needs, the resulting frustration and stress leads hens to aggressive behaviour such as feather-pecking and cannibalism. With acres of green pasture for roaming and spacious well designed housing, Clarence Court hens lead a stress-free life, which shines through in the flavour and quality of the eggs.
Quality Not Quantity...
Clarence Court hens are bred for egg quality not quantity. Whilst the modern drive toward ever increasing egg numbers puts tremendous physiological strain on the modern commercial chicken, Clarence Court hens are not pressured to lay high numbers. The result - a heavy egg with dense white which not only helps keep the yolk central but improves the flavour and gives that perfect shape when fried or poached.
A Natural Environment...
An abundance of pasture is a must for happy healthy hens. Clarence Court hens enjoy peaceful fields with trees and shrubs for shelter - Hence, stress-free birds lay better quality eggs.
The Right To Roam...
Hens require plenty of space to roam and forage. Hens with more stamina produce superior quality eggs. Research shows that the inability of hens to move around, exercise and perform normal wing stretching and flapping movements has a serious impact on the strength of the bones.
Sufficient Sleep And A Well Designed House...
Hens have a very strong instinct to roost, and when deprived of this one may notice their health, happiness and sprightliness slowly diminish. Clarence Court hens enjoy the comfort of well designed airy houses with the privacy of warm secluded nest boxes.
You Are What You Eat...
In the same way that people are what they eat, the content of an egg is related to what hens consume. Hens that are healthy and well fed like Clarence Court birds, which enjoy a natural diet of grass and herbs as well as the finest vegetarian non-GM based cereal, will produce eggs with large yolks and a rich flavour.
Lending A Hand...
Poultry keepers are central to hens' development and welfare. Handlers need to understand animals and be sympathetic to the needs of their flock and, as at Clarence Court, they should understand the importance of producing ethical eggs.
Dustbathing...
Dustbathing is an important ethological requirement for laying hens and contributes to both the physical and behavioural needs of the birds; it is the natural way of maintaining healthy skin and plumage. The inability of birds to dustbathe properly can have a considerable impact on their well-being.
Healthy In Body, Healthy In Mind...
Social interaction is as important to animals as it is to human beings. The psychological needs of the hens can be easily overlooked. They are active, inquisitive birds which need interaction between themselves in order to remain mentally and physically healthy. This cannot take place without plenty of space and time spent outside to form small social groups, establish their 'pecking order', and carry out all the normal movements and activities which are typical of this bird.
Stimulating stuff...
Happy hens like to be kept busy. Pasture with a few trees and shrubs will not only ensure that the birds have cover during the colder months but also plenty of places to forage and have fun.