File this under 'what the!?'
Austin Stewart, an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University in America is currently developing the idea of using virtual reality to simulate a free range chicken environment, based on the Oculus Rift technology being developed for humans.
The concept called ‘second livestock’ would allow chickens to experience all the simulated benefits of being free range, i.e. grass, trees (and even other artificial chickens?!) without ever moving a muscle.
We can’t help but think that the chickens bodies will deteriorate and weaken quickly if their muscles aren't being used…and it can never really replace the benefits of the full free range experience!
What do you think? Is this concept too ridiculous to be true? Or do you think that it’s a great idea? Let us know!
