Never wake a sleeping chicken
In Denmark, a poster installation has sparked a public debate about chicken farming conditions.
Even in Switzerland, chickens kept in conventional barns do not have a remarkably good life. But in this country, there are at least certain minimum standards that one would actually take for granted anyway. This not only refers to the prescribed space conditions. In Switzerland, access to daylight and, above all, periods of darkness of at least eight hours a day are mandatory. In the EU, on the other hand, windowless stables with pure artificial lighting and alternating light programs are permitted. This means that the day is artificially extended so that the chickens eat more and gain more weight. Even if they would like to sleep.
In Denmark, the animal welfare organization Animal Protection, with the help of the agency Mindshare, has simply but effectively demonstrated that chickens also have a right to sleep: A poster illuminated with 20 lamps attracted everyone's attention in Copenhagen during the dark hours. The light served its purpose as a means of communication: the campaign put the issue on the public agenda and raised awareness in society by triggering discussion. However, when you see the pictures of the overcrowded barns, it becomes clear that there is still a long way to go before chickens are happy. But you can start somewhere.
