Cluck up the courage to give a hen a happy home this new year.
The British Hen Welfare Trust will a holding a pop-up hen collection in St Andrews on January 9, for hundreds of former commercial laying hens who are no spring chickens which would otherwise be destined for slaughter.
The trust is appealing to find anyone who can offer a permanent home to a few of their hardworking girls.
Since hatching in 2005, the charity has found homes for nearly 500,000 hens, from more than 30 pop-up locations run by volunteers across the UK.
In just a few weeks it is poised to enter the records books with the rehoming of its half a millionth hen, Dee a phenomenal achievement in terms of rehoming pets and something the charity believes to be a world first.
Local coordinator for the charity Cheryl Binnie said: “After receiving so many gifts at Christmas, January is a great time to consider rehoming some of our gorgeous girls, it’s a nice way to give a little something back.
“Ex-bats are naturally amiable and simple to keep, making them ideal pets for families and first-time chicken-keepers.
“If you haven’t adopted hens before, it’s incredibly rewarding and the feelgood factor in saving lives is simply unbeatable.”
The charity, which rehomes commercial laying hens and encourages support for the British egg industry, also aims to educate the public on how they can make a difference to hen welfare through making simple changes to their shopping habits.
While consumers will often select free range eggs to use in baking and cooking, they are unaware of just how many eggs are used in processed food products and checking food labels is the best way to select high welfare eggs wherever they are used.
Anyone who would like to find out more about adopting a few of these hens should call the charity at Hen Central on 01884 860084 or email hens@bhwt.co.uk.
Whether a complete novice or returning to hen-keeping, the charity is on hand to answer any of the public’s queries.
Hens need to be reserved in advance of the collection event and directions to the rehoming site in St Andrews will only be given once registration is complete.