Until now, our work has focused solely on laying chickens. They have been the underdog of the animal world for so long, but that has slowly changed and hens are now one of the most popular pets in the UK.
However, there remains a different kind of laying hen who is very much in the shadows. Billions of quail are farmed intensively around the globe, and yet, as we understand it, there is little to no legislation protecting their welfare.
Why quail?
Life for laying quail doesn’t paint a pretty picture. Millions and millions of them are kept in cages worldwide, meaning their ability to carry out normal behaviours is limited. A quail’s natural reaction when startled is to shoot upwards, which is prohibited in a caged environment.
The result? Many arrive for slaughter with head injuries and / or broken bones. That is unacceptable, and we want it to change – but we need your help.
What can be done?
In order to understand the current landscape for laying quail, and what needs to change, there needs to be significant research undertaken. For that purpose, we are spearheading a partnership with bespoke consultancy firm FAI Farms Ltd. They have proven expertise in developing scientific approaches to support understanding and development of better food production systems for animals.
The result will be a welfare improvement roadmap, outlining the steps for improving laying quail welfare globally.
How can you help
This research is partnership and so funding and our contribution of £28,000 is worth every penny to improve the lives of billions of these forgotten birds; we know you will agree.
So please, may we ask that you consider a donation of whatever you can afford, so that we can secure a better future for laying quail? This has not been undertaken lightly. It is desperately needed. Thank you.
