They have been in cages all their lives living in an area about the size of an A4 sheet of paper. They can't even flap their wings or stretch their legs. They are given false day and night lighting to trick their bodies into thinking it is another day. They can't stand up and their claws are so very long that some have to be cut out of their cages. They peck each others feathers out as that is the only stimulation they get. When they stop laying or get to about 9 months old they are 'spent' and slaughtered to make pies and animal food. The Battery Hen Welfare Trust rescues as many as they can and re home them where they can run free and be looked after. Check out their website. Have alook at the photos of my girls on facebook. I was lucky, my three had at least half of their feathers...