“A layer can produce for years”: in the Meuse, rush for spent hens at 5 euros

In front of 8 Avenue de Paris, at the exit of Verdun, it’s almost a crush. An uninterrupted line of vehicles. For almost nine years, the ritual has taken on an astonishing scale. “We no longer even need to communicate to announce the arrival of the new hens. The message gets across very quickly. Within half an hour, they will all have found buyers.”

President of the Targa association, Laura Sanchez struggles between all the tasks of this animal defense and protection movement. A few weeks ago, 600 chickens were sold in less than two days to Meuse customers, with unbeatable prices: 5 euros per unit. “We are a long way from 20 to 25 euros in a store,” she continues. This time, nearly 300 birds will have passed from hand to hand. Each customer takes one, two or more in boxes.

The economic argument

The major argument that pushes individuals to flock to these culls is above all economic. The thousands of birds recovered in recent years come from industrial farms in the Grand-Est. All were destined for the slaughterhouse.

“When they are around fifteen months old, the farms consider that their production rate is declining, and that as a result they should no longer remain in their care,” specifies the president. “However, a laying hen can produce for years. Those we collect are capable of producing hundreds of eggs, close to one per day on average. It’s a purchase that couldn’t be more economically profitable.”

Regular buyer, Verdun resident Vincent Gurdak agrees. He was able to count around fifteen chickens at home. “Today I have five left at home, but I’m going to buy more because it’s very interesting. Up to three years old, they lay almost one egg per day. When we see the price of meat today, a purchase is quickly amortized. And not to spoil anything, they clean my yard perfectly! »

“An animal to which we become attached”

In addition, the intervention of the Targa association prevents the chickens from having to die quickly, by offering them a few years of existence with residents, instead of a promised execution in the slaughterhouse. “Somehow, this gives us the feeling of sparing them the death promised too soon. Once we are able to welcome it, it is an animal to which we quickly become attached,” continues Laura Sanchez.

She takes the example of Chicken Run, an old plucked hen. “She was exhausted by the inhumane industrial treatment inflicted on her by the breeders. In the boxes, their fate is totally atrocious. Since she has been with us, she has found Olympic form.”

Defenders of this farm animal also point out that they peck at weeds, provide compost and feed on almost all table scraps, including vegetable peelings. “With the exception of leeks and onions,” smiles a buyer.

The association, which relies on a dozen volunteers, relies 100% on donations, without any public subsidy. The president is full of praise for the generosity of the residents. “The Meuse people are wonderful people. They have always generously supported us.”

In 2025, more than 4,000 hens intended for the slaughterhouse will have been purchased by customers. “A hen can live almost ten years,” estimates Laura Sanchez. “It’s a bit like a pet,” concludes Vincent Gurdak.