AN ANIMAL welfare charity is hoping to find new homes in Monmouth for 400 hens who have reached the end of their egg-laying careers.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) helps former commercial hens 'retire' after they reach the end of their useful laying lives.

These hens will have spent the last 18 months laying eggs to be sold in supermarkets or to be used as ingredients in processed foods.

Usually, farmers send these animals to slaughter, but this 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. Some have even been re-homed by schools, nursing homes and prisons.

During past re-homing events, the BHWT has helped hens like Maud, Mildred and Mrs Chicken-Knickers (pictured) find a new home.

The BHWT's Francesca Taffs 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!”

If you would like to re-home some feathered friends, register your details at www.bhwt.org.uk and then call Hen Central on 01884 860084.

The reserved hens will be available to collect from the BHWT on September 9.