HEN heroes are being called on to help save flocks from slaughter.
A Warwickshire-based hen welfare charity is urgently appealing for people to provide homes to retired laying-hens.
The flock, being looked after by the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), need homes to go to once they leave the commercial farm otherwise they face slaughter.
Charity spokeswoman Kathryn Howard said: “I recently went along to an adoption event and saw the hens leaving the farm and feeling fresh air and seeing sunlight for the first time. It’s truly one of the most heart-warming, life-affirming things I’ve ever been a part of and by adopting hens you could also be a part of that.
“We don’t tend to think of chickens as pets, but once you invite these funny little creatures into your home, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. They have great personalities, they can be affectionate, they’re fun to watch and, of course, they’ll lay you the freshest eggs you’ve ever had.
“If you have a bit of space in your garden, you could do something amazing by adopting some hens and literally save their lives.”
Prospective adopters can sign up with the charity before picking up their new companions from Kineton on Sunday August 29.
They must register with the charity before Thursday (August 26).
There is no fee to adopt a hen but the charity does ask for a donation to cover adoption costs and campaigning work such as veterinary and education programmes.
The BHWT is the UK’s first charity to save laying hens from slaughter and rehome them as family pets. Every year the charity saves more than 60,000 hens an over 840,000 hens since its establishment in 2005.
Visit bhwt.org.uk for adoption details.
