Family shares joy of pet hens as 200 need homes

Poppy is surrounded by the hens her family has adopted

A family is urging people to give ex-commercial hens a home, saying they bring "joy" as well as fresh eggs.

Victoria and Charles, from Wiltshire, recently adopted three birds through the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) and said they have been amazed by how quickly they have become part of family life.

Victoria said they are good pets: "Everyone talks about the benefits of being out in nature, eating healthier and being kind – rehoming chickens does all three."

The BHWT is hoping to rehome up to 200 hens at an event in South Marston later.

Victoria said the birds were affectionate, inquisitive and full of personality.

"We got a second-hand henhouse and the children and I added shells, mirrors, hanging decorations, ladders, even a tiny little school chair and blackboard in case they wanted to learn anything," she added.

Victoria (R) says the hens make ideal family pets

The BHWT said it has so far found retirement homes for more than one million ex-commercial hens since it was founded in 2005.

Last year, the charity rehomed its one millionth hen with King Charles.

It has 48 collection points across the UK and is helped by about 1,400 volunteers.

Charity BHWT has rehomed more than a million hens since it was founded in 2005

Anyone looking to adopt needs to offer hens security, food and water.

Gaynor Davies, head of welfare and operations at the charity, said: "Our hens are so deserving of a second chance.

"If you're in Wiltshire and fancy offering a home to some hardworking hens – who will continue popping out the occasional egg – please get in touch."