Didcot: 130 hens face slaughter unless adopted this week

The rehoming event on Sunday, March 29 will see 285 ex-commercial laying hens sent to retirement homes – if more animal lovers come forward in time to give 130 of them a chance.

Adopters have to come forward by 2pm on Friday, March 27 in order to give the hens, which have spent their lives laying eggs for supermarkets, a free-range retirement.

The British Hen Welfare Trust has rehomed more than a million hens since 2005 (Image: Linda Grier)

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Andy Hill, of the British Hen Welfare Trust, said: “People are often surprised by how much joy hens bring.

“They’re funny, curious little characters, they love routine, and they’re genuinely a delight to care for. Plus, they’re still more than happy to pop out the occasional egg.

130 hens still need adoption homes near Didcot (Image: Eleanor Saum)

“With spring finally here, this is the ideal time to start. These girls are more than ready for a fresh beginning, and they really do make wonderful pets.”

The hens up for adoption have reached 18 months old, which means they’re at the end of their commercial life, but if they’re adopted and cared for they can live for many more years.

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Retired commercial hens make wonderful family pets (Image: Sarah Walker)

Anyone looking to adopt simply needs to offer the hens security, food and water, and a little bit of love.

To adopt, visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-production and click ‘adopt’ or calling the British Hen Wildlife Trust rehoming team on 01884 860084.

The Trust was established by Jane Howorth in 2005, who was awarded an MBE for her charitable work in 2016, and last year the charity rehomed its one millionth hen with His Majesty King Charles III.