A CHARITY dedicated to saving ex-laying hens from slaughter is appealing to the public to help rehome 139 chickens at their next Welsh rehoming event later this month.

Commercial hens, which begin laying eggs at around four months old, typically see a decline in productivity by the time they reach 18 months. As a result, many are sent to slaughter. The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), however, is determined to give these birds a chance at a better life.

The charity, which operates rehoming centres across the UK, will host its next event on Sunday, 19 January 2025, in Boncath, Pembrokeshire. At this event, 139 free-range hens will be waiting for new homes.

From modest beginnings to nearly a million lives saved

Established in 2005 with the humble aim of rehoming 100 hens, BHWT has since rehomed nearly one million birds. It all began with a simple advert in a local newspaper:
“We’ve never stood on grass, we’ve never felt the sun on our backs, we’d love a home. Can you help?”

Now based in Devon, the charity works with commercial egg farmers who voluntarily relinquish hens once their productivity declines. Francesca Mapp, BHWT’s marketing consultant, explains: “The farmers give us their hens to rehome because they want a nicer life for them – they want them to go on and have a free-range retirement.”

Without intervention, these hens would likely be processed for pet food or low-grade meat products, as their breed isn’t typically used for human consumption.

Bringing new life to your garden

For those who rehome hens, the rewards are far greater than just eggs. Francesca says:
“They’re such resilient little creatures. Once they’re outside and they’re in fresh air with sunshine on their backs, they start to flourish.”

Julia Davies, an environmental campaigner and impact investor, agrees: “What’s brilliant about chickens is they’re not just a pet. You actually get something in return. It’s a really great way of getting cruelty-free eggs.”

A small flock of three or four hens – the minimum group size BHWT rehomes – can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs. Francesca notes:
“A couple of eggs a day for breakfast is typical. And even the smallest gardens can offer a safe, enriching environment for hens.”

She adds: “Chickens are the funniest, quirkiest, most characterful little creatures you can imagine. They’re like cats and dogs with feathers – you can literally pick them up, cuddle them, and they each have unique personalities.”

From featherless to flourishing

The charity rehomes hens from caged, barn, and free-range systems. Caged hens, in particular, often arrive with sparse feathering due to overcrowding and high heat in enclosures. Dr Lizzie Rowe, an animal welfare specialist at Reading University, explains: “Caged hens have limited ability to perform natural behaviours, such as foraging and dustbathing, which can lead to boredom and frustration, often resulting in feather pecking.”

However, Francesca reassures adopters: “Within a few months of being rehomed, their feathers will come back, and they’ll look like show birds again.”

Campaigning for a free-range future

Beyond rehoming, BHWT advocates for better welfare for all hens. Francesca says consumer choices can make a significant difference: “There’s a huge demand for cheap eggs, and farmers meet that demand. By buying better-quality eggs, you’re supporting better welfare practices.”

She advises buyers to opt for the best eggs they can afford, noting: “The more expensive the eggs, the better the welfare of the hens that laid them.”

Register your interest

To rehome hens from the Boncath drop-off, visit the BHWT website to register your interest or click here