Hen charity encourages people to think differently when choosing their next pet

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Wednesday, 20 October 2021 08:47

Monmouthshire residents are being encouraged to think outside the box when it comes to picking their next family pet.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is holding an adoption day for ex-commercial chickens in Shirenewton on Saturday, October 23 and is asking people to consider whether they could give a loving home to a hard-working hen.

Domestic fowl are now the fourth most popular pet in the UK as more and more people discover the joys of keeping our feathery friends as their animal companions.

By adopting a hen from the BHWT, you not only gain a new member of the family but have the extra feel-good factor that you have helped to save a hen from slaughter.

Jane Howorth MBE, founder of the BHWT, says, “Time and time again, the feedback we have from people who rehome our hens is how much they love them. Once people welcome hens into their family, they get to see what amazing, curious, funny little creatures they really are and can’t believe they didn’t do it sooner.

“These animals aren’t often thought of as pets, but they have just as much personality as cats and dogs. They’ll follow you around, talk to you, play with you, cuddle you. They’re incredibly affectionate and after being saved from slaughter, they have so much love to give.

“You don’t need to have a huge garden or live on a farm to have chickens. All you need is a good-sized secure area for them to live in and a big heart.”

The BHWT doesn’t charge a fee for each hen but does ask for a donation to cover adoption costs and hen welfare campaigning work.

If you’re interested in adopting any of the hens coming to Shirenewton, you need to register with the BHWT before the end of the afternoon on Thursday, October 21.