It’s a cracking year for hens as national charity the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) celebrates rehoming one million chickens from commercial laying farms since 2005.
Over nearly two decades, the BHWT has rehomed hens in schools, community areas, prisons and back gardens across the country, inspiring the British public to see hens as much-loved pets.
By working with farmers to provide a rehoming option for hens once their best laying days are behind them, the BHWT has proved that hens have much more life left – not just as laying hens in family gardens, but as adored companions.
Founder and chief executive of the British Hen Welfare Trust, Jane Howorth MBE said: “We’re thrilled that one million hens have been adopted. Helping a lorry load of 4,000 was my original target and we’ve exceeded my expectations by some margin. To think that so many hens have had a happy retirement gives me a great deal of pleasure.
“The more farmers and consumers become aware of the various factors needed to create good welfare for hens, working within commercial parameters, the better it will be for everyone. For consumers that means avoiding buying large eggs which can be painful for hens to lay, and always choosing British free range – including checking labels on things like cakes and sauces.
“Through our positive relationships with farmers, we are persuading more and more of them to make their hens available for rehoming, while encouraging them to give their birds the best possible experience.”
“The way the industry works means it isn’t commercially viable for farmers to keep laying hens after their first moult at around 18 months, and partnering with the BHWT is such a win-win for both farmers and hens.
“The rehoming day is always hard work but it’s so rewarding working with the wonderful BHWT volunteers and I’m grateful to know my hens will have a happy retirement.”
