The free wandering hens commonly seen in beautiful rural homes in Kenya is a farming model that is encouraged and lauded for promoting good chicken welfare. With the biting economy however, many farmers have explored and invested in farming chicken in cages to encourage maximum numbers and hefty profits. Unfortunately, these systems harbor poor welfare practices for the birds.

This was the subject of discussion at a workshop organized by Healthy Hens in Nakuru County where ANAW was represented. The workshop targeting farmers addressed chicken welfare with a focus on chicken in deep litter systems. The ANAW team had the opportunity to present on status of cage-free farming in Kenya survey findings.

ANAW was also able to participate in animal welfare engagement meetings organized by Open Wing Alliance (OWA) in the same county. The meeting targeted selected farmers, animal traders, slaughterhouse operators and animal transporters. Further, the meeting addressed general welfare of animals, welfare of poultry battery cages and the need to eradicate poultry battery cages farming practices. similarly, a meeting was also held targeting veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals.