I had recently moved, and I was strolling around my new neighborhood when the sound of a woman’s voice made me pause. “Come on, babies!” she hollered. To my surprise, I saw seven or eight chickens come running around the side of her house! One by one, they all hopped up on the porch and ran towards the woman.

Um, okay. I had to talk to her.

As we chatted—the chickens hopping up on the porch railing to watch us—I found myself drawn to one hen in particular. Her name was Ruby. “Go fetch,” the woman said, giggling as she tossed a pellet. Ruby ran over, picked up the pellet with her beak, and brought it back!

I watched, my mouth gaping, as Ruby snuggled into the woman’s lap and started making purring noises. The woman stroked Ruby gently while the little chicken closed her eyes, clearly loving the affection.

My mind was racing, full of questions. The chickens knew their individual names. They had best friends. They could do tricks! Just like humans, they had a range of emotions—sometimes playful, sometimes relaxed. They loved to “dust bathe,” happily rolling around on the ground to clean off their feathers. 

Back at home, I started doing research. I was horrified to learn what was considered “normal” in factory farms. Hens—just like sweet Ruby—were forced to spend their whole lives in tiny wire cages. They never got to dust bathe, play fetch, perch up on railings, or stretch out their wings.

What broke my heart the most was knowing they’d never feel the kindness, safety, and love that Ruby felt.

Recently, we calculated that it costs just $2.63 to spare one hen from a battery cage. To me, that’s a coffee. To her, it’s the difference between a life behind bars—and a life where she can finally stretch her wings.

In honor of World Kindness Day, will you consider protecting a hen (or three or four)? Even better, three generous donors are matching all gifts—so your donation will protect twice as many hens! It’s an act of kindness that can change a life.

Happy World Kindness Day! Thank you for knowing that a kinder world is possible—and for helping to create it. 💗