British Hen Welfare Trust appeals for Bishop’s Stortford residents to save birds from slaughter

The British Hen Welfare Trust is urgently appealing for Bishop’s Stortford residents to save the lives of 204 birds.

The national charity has 300 to rehome in the town and some householders have already volunteered to make new feathered friends. However, without a safe haven, the remaining chickens face slaughter.

Hens lay eggs on commercial farms for about 18 months before they become commercially unviable and are killed for use in pet food, soups or stocks.

The BHWT has saved more than one million from that fate by finding them new lives in back gardens, schools, universities and even prisons around the UK. King Charles rehomed the charity’s millionth hen.

Jane Howorth, founder and chief executive, said: “This time of year can be a little dark and gloomy, so why not add some extra cheer to your back garden in the form of some feathered friends?

“They are truly life-enriching, as proven by over 50% of our rehomers who have adopted hens more than once, and, better yet, you’ll get an egg or two for your breakfast. What other pet can offer that tasty treat?”

Hens will be available in Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday, December 7. Contact www.bhwt.org.uk for details on how to adopt.