Hundreds of birds need rehoming across the country. Can you help?

Forget five golden rings or four calling birds… how about three ex-bat hens this Christmas? Hundreds of ex-commercial hens across the country are soon to be given the opportunity to enjoy a festive free range retirement thanks to the British Hen Welfare Trust.

The lucky girls, which would otherwise go to slaughter at the end of their commercial life, will be re-homed to kind hearted members of the public, and will go on to become much loved family pets. The re-homing days will take place in the following places:

* York 13th Dec

* Lancashire 20th Dec

* Northumberland 20th Dec

* Cornwall 21st Dec

* Devon 21st Dec

* Somerset 21st Dec

* Hampshire 21st Dec

* Dorset 21st Dec

The charity which re-homes commercial laying hens, and educates the public about how they can make a difference to hen welfare, also encourages support for the British egg industry. Since its inception in 2005 the charity has re-homed over 440,000 hens from 30 ‘pop-up’ locations run by volunteers across the UK.

Next year the charity not only celebrates its 10th anniversary, but also hopes to re-home ‘Dee’, their soon to be 500,000th lucky hen – ‘D’ is 500,000 in roman numerals!

Local co-ordinator for the charity Gaynor Davies says: “Ex-bat hens are simple to keep and have such a fun and friendly nature, and they will soon work their way into the hearts of their new owners. Why not give a home to some of our lovely girls this Christmas and secure your place on Santa’s ‘good egg’ list? No other pet comes with the bonus of your own supply of fresh free range eggs, and they really are the gift that keeps on giving.”

If you have a little more room in your coop, and space for another Christmas stocking please call Hen Central 01884 860084, the girls are so excited and would love to spend the festive season with you!

The charity is appealing for anyone who is able to offer a permanent home to contact them first by calling 01884 860084, or emailing hens@bhwt.org.uk. A donation is requested to cover costs and help save more hens from slaughter. Please note hens must be reserved in advance of the re-homing date.

To find out more and to reserve some hens, please email the charity at hens@bhwt.org.uk, call 01884 860084 or visit www.bhwt.org.uk

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