Hens Face Slaughter Unless Rehomed by Friday
Almost 200 hens are at risk of being slaughtered unless they find new homes by the end of the week. These 18-month-old egg-laying hens have reached the conclusion of their commercial lifespan and are scheduled to be sent to slaughter.
British Hen Welfare Trust Seeks Adopters
The British Hen Welfare Trust has issued an urgent appeal for potential adopters for 180 birds currently housed on a farm in Boncath, Pembrokeshire. If no new owners are found by Friday, the hens may be slaughtered and used in products such as pies, soups, stocks, and pet food.
"We need more people to come forward to rehome them," a spokeswoman said.
"They have to be booked for adoption by 4pm on Friday because they need to be collected from the farm and sent straight off."
"It is a simple sad fact that of 55 million laying hens in the UK every single one is sent for slaughter."
The charity has requested that anyone interested in adopting a hen register by 14:00 BST on Friday.
Hens Make Excellent Pets
The spokeswoman shared her personal experience with pet hens named William, Olive, and Gucci, emphasizing their suitability as pets.
"They make brilliant pets. These hens are bred to be docile so they become very tame very quickly.
In a few days they will start recognising the face of a new owner and if you shake a jar of corn at them they'll come running.
You can pick them up and cuddle them like a dog or cat and they will snooze on your lap.
And we think the sound of gentle chicken chatter is one of the best sounds you can have in your garden."
A donation of £3 per bird is requested to cover the charity's costs, and adopters may find the hens pay for themselves through egg production.
The trust's Andy Hill said: "They're still more than happy to pop out the occasional egg."
