Friday, May 14, 2004
I just found this link 'PASTURED POULTRY: A HEIFER PROJECT INTERNATIONAL DEMONSTRATION', which includes pictures and basic directions about how to build moveable 8'x8' boxes to hold 100 chickens.
I am not making the connection between this method of confinement and the title that mentions "pastured poultry" in the same breath as Heifer Project, International. And my math is bad. Is that the equivalent of stuffing 50 in a 4'x8' box, or 25 in a 2'x8' box? Check the floor tiles in your house to get a feel for how many chickens would fit in one area of your kitchen. Each chicken has less than a square foot to live and move and have her being -- just like our battery caged hens (other than the fact that they might have less toxic fumes and filth to live in, if these boxes are outside and moveable). It looks to me as if we are encouraging the spread of our horrendous confinement systems into other parts of the world. If that is true, we are dealing with some "sacred myths" that need to be dispelled.
If your congregation supports HPI, please (continue to) encourage them to designate their donations to be used for any number of HPI's "non-animal" projects. Some of you already know I have a sampling of those listed on the 'Heiferless' Heifer projects page. But there are many other "non-animal" projects on HPI's project list, which is downloadable from their website. If this is an organization you or your church supports, please check them out, and do what you can to adopt a "least harm" policy in your church. As some Australian said, 'You don't have to be cruel, to be kind.'
(I think I found that quote somewhere on David Ogilvie's site, which is worth a visit. Check it out.)
