A happier retirement for France's laying hens

Egg farmers often slaughter laying hens that have grown too old - but now some can enjoy a new life in retirement.

The birds have proved especially popular at an old people's home in Seine-Maritime, where the residents look after them, while residents in Haute-Saône are being offered the chance to adopt hens that are reaching the end of their laying days.

"It's going to change our daily lives a little bit anyway, in a good way. We're going to be able to enjoy the eggs and then reduce our waste, which is important," one woman, who has just adopted four birds, told France3.

Habitually, former laying hens are sold to slaughterhouses for €0.30, the broadcaster reported.