Over 4,300 hens were saved from slaughter and adopted into new loving homes in Devon during 2021.

The hens were all ex-layers rehomed by the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) at adoption days held during the year including ones at South Zeal.

Every year the BHWT saves 60,000 hens from slaughter. The hens are all around 18 months old, the age where they become commercially unviable from an egg-laying perspective and are sent for slaughter.

However, if rehomed, they will continue to lay eggs and become affectionate, friendly pets that can live for many years to come.

Jane Howorth MBE, founder of the charity said: ‘Adopted hens can become their keeper’s new best friend. They will return any love shown to them in spades and enjoy nothing more than following their new owners around and snuggling up for cuddles.

‘We all know that the past two years have been tough for charities like us, so I’d like to say an extra special thank you to everyone who has opened their home and their heart to one of our beautiful girls this year. When you adopt a hen, you’re not just giving them a new home you’re literally saving their life.’

Whilst the outbreak of Avian Influenza has currently stopped hen rehomings, the BHWT will be back up and running soon so anyone wanting to be the early bird and adopt a spring chicken or two (something to look forward to during the long winter nights!), is urged to signing up to be notified of the next rehoming day in Devon here: https://www.bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption/hen-adoption-dates-locations/