Doncaster farm launches fundraiser in bid to help rescue battery farm hens

Kelly Lindley, aged 41, runs the farm with her husband Carl Lindley and daughter Ami Downs in Toll Bar.

They rescue animals together and currently have goats, sheep, pigs, ducks and horses on their farm.

Kelly said: “The battery hens are being released by farmers and we want to rescue them but we need a large shed to do so.

“These hens have never seen the light of day, never touched grass or had any human contact.

“Big sheds are expensive and we’re still recovering from the flooding in October.”

They are hoping to take in between 20 to 30 hens depending on the shed they can acquire.

The family is asking for anyone with a second-hand shed of 10 feet long or bigger to consider donating it to the farm for the hens.

Or alternatively to donate funds to their PayPal which can be found on their Facebook page.

The Manor Estate Farm has been in operation for one year and was sparked by Ami’s love for animals.

“She has been animal mad since she was born,” Kelly said.

“But it really started when she was eight years old and we rescued a horse.

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“We thought she might tire of it as she got older - thought she would want to spend more time with friends or boys.

“But she never did she has always been there for him and the other animals we have since rescued.”

They only take animals who need rescuing from slaughter or who have been dumped.

Unfortunately, they are currently full but they have built a network of people who can help take in animals from guinea pigs to actual pigs in the local area.

“Battery hens are used as machines for eggs,” Kelly continued.

“They’re cooped up with no space but if they’re taken in they can be so friendly.

“We have ducks who love to cuddle and we think they deserve a better life.”