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Family shares joy of pet hens as 200 need homes

Sophia AllsoppWest of England
News imageFamily handout Poppy is wearing a bright pink jumper and light blue trousers. She is holding a brown hen and is kneeling on the grass. Four other brown hens are in front of her.Family handout
Poppy is surrounded by the hens her family has adopted

A family is urging people to give ex-commercial hens a home, saying they bring "joy" as well as fresh eggs.

Victoria and Charles, from Wiltshire, recently adopted three birds through the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) and said they have been amazed by how quickly they have become part of family life.

Victoria said they are good pets: "Everyone talks about the benefits of being out in nature, eating healthier and being kind – rehoming chickens does all three."

The BHWT is hoping to rehome up to 200 hens at an event in South Marston later.

Victoria said the birds were affectionate, inquisitive and full of personality.

"We got a second-hand henhouse and the children and I added shells, mirrors, hanging decorations, ladders, even a tiny little school chair and blackboard in case they wanted to learn anything," she added.

News imageFamily handout Victoria is sitting on a chair in a garden. She is wearing a blue coat and brown boots and is holding a chicken. Her daughter Poppy is standing next to her and is holding another hen. Two dogs are in front of them. Family handout
Victoria (R) says the hens make ideal family pets

The BHWT said it has so far found retirement homes for more than one million ex-commercial hens since it was founded in 2005.

Last year, the charity rehomed its one millionth hen with King Charles.

It has 48 collection points across the UK and is helped by about 1,400 volunteers.

News imageBritish Hen Welfare Trust Three brown hens perched on a wooden garden table. One is on the tabletop and two are on the seat. A grey fence is in the background.British Hen Welfare Trust
Charity BHWT has rehomed more than a million hens since it was founded in 2005

Anyone looking to adopt needs to offer hens security, food and water.

Gaynor Davies, head of welfare and operations at the charity, said: "Our hens are so deserving of a second chance.

"If you're in Wiltshire and fancy offering a home to some hardworking hens – who will continue popping out the occasional egg – please get in touch."

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