THOUSANDS of hens are hoping to avoid the slaughter house and start a free range retirement in Monmouthshire this September.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) will be re-homing 10,000 ex-commercial hens across the country, 400 of which will be looking for homes in Monmouth on Sunday 9th September.

Hens just like Maud, Mildred and Mrs Chicken-Knickers, pictured, who were adopted by Tracy Derrett from the Monmouth site.

These hardworking hens have been laying eggs to be sold in supermarkets or put into processed foods for 18 months, but have now come to the end of their useful laying life. At this point the farmer looks to send his flock to slaughter, which is when the BHWT steps in to save as many lives as possible.

The hens then go on to become family pets in people’s back gardens or on allotments or smallholdings. They’ve even been re-homed by schools, nursing homes and prisons.

Francesca Taffs, Marketing and Communications Officer for the BHWT, said: “These hens make the most wonderful pets – they just want the chance to be free and live like chickens should. After a few weeks you’ll be able to pick them up cuddle them just like you would a cat or a dog and, best of all, they’ll even lay you fresh eggs for breakfast!”

To re-home some feathered friends simply register your details at www.bhwt.org.uk and then call Hen Central on 01884 860084.