An animal charity is urgently seeking new owners and homes for 200 hens to save them from slaughter.
The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) said that it was holding an urgent rehoming event in Worthing on Sunday 12 April.
The charity said: “Two hundred ex-commercial laying hens will be sent off to their happy new retirement homes but only if kind-hearted animal lovers come forward to register by 2pm on Friday 10 April.
“Friendly, curious and easy to care for, hens make brilliant pets and reward their keepers with fresh eggs to boot.”
Andy Hill, from the British Hen Welfare Trust, said: “People are often surprised by how much joy hens bring.
“They’re funny, curious little characters. They love routine and they’re genuinely a delight to care for. Plus, they’re still more than happy to pop out the occasional egg.
“With spring finally here, this is the ideal time to start. These girls are more than ready for a fresh beginning and they really do make wonderful pets.”
The trust said: “These hens have spent their lives working tirelessly laying eggs for us to buy in the supermarket.
“But now they have reached 18 months old, they are at the end of their commercial life.
“However, the BHWT knows they have so much more to give which is why they deserve a second chance at a free-range retirement.
“Anyone looking to adopt simply needs to offer these hens security, food and water and a little bit of TLC.
“To adopt hens, simply visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption and click ‘adopt’ next to the location nearest to you. Alternatively, call the BHWT Rehoming Team on 01884 860084.”
