Around 12,000 ex-commercial hens will be saved from slaughter throughout May – if enough people come forward to offer them homes.
Hens hoping to enjoy the May sunshine will be available from various collection points, including locally on Sunday 11 May in South Marston, Wiltshire.
The British Hen Welfare Trust works with caged, barn and free-range egg producers to rehome their hens once they reach approximately 18 months old and are no longer deemed commercially viable.
However, the Trust knows they still have so much life to give, as do the thousands of people who adopt them each year. In fact, His Majesty The King gave these little birds the highest endorsement by adopting the charity’s one millionth hen in 2024, whom he called Henrietta.
Hens have risen to become one of the most popular pets in the UK as the British public realise what wonderful companions they make, bringing joy and laughter (and fresh eggs) to back gardens up and down the country.
Jane Howorth MBE, Founder of the BHWT, said: “This hen, Priscilla, soaking up the sunshine is one of the lucky ones. She was part of a flock of thousands and now enjoys being called by her name instead of existing as a number. We have promised 12,000 hens that they too will feel the sun on their backs this summer, but we need the public to help us give them homes.
“There is a reason hens are now the fourth most popular pet in the UK, and it is proven by the fact so many of our supporters come back time and time again to adopt these little birds. I’ll warn you, it’s addictive! The feelgood factor you get from watching an ex-commercial hen come out of her shell (if you’ll excuse the pun) is like nothing else.”
To adopt hens simply visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption and click ‘adopt’ next to Hampshire. Alternatively, call the BHWT Rehoming Team on 01884 860084.
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