Hundreds of hens rescued from slaughter and re-homed as pets in homes across North West

Hundreds of battery hens are starting their retirement after being rescued from slaughter and re-homed.

The hens had spent their lives at a commercial egg farm, were collected from Nottingham on Sunday 15 March, and brought to Kirkham, Lancashire, by volunteers from the British Hen Welfare Trust.

The charity say after 18 months, hens still lay eggs but the rate slows, so farmers send them to be killed. Those rescued will live out their retirement in gardens and allotments across the North West.

Simon Dagger, Lancashire co-ordinator for the British Hen Welfare Trust said: "We've collected around 550 hens today.

"The Trust pays the farmer a bit more than they would get it the hens went to slaughter, so we just collect thousands from around the UK to the different distribution centres.

"People come from all over to give them a home."

Carol Johnson from Failsworth in Manchester has re-homed lots of hens. She said they make "great pets" and are "brilliant for the allotment".

Carol Johnson came from Manchester to adopt the hens

Eirian Roberts is a volunteer for the British Hen Welfare Trust.

She said: "You don't have to do much with them, they're really great pets.

"They each have their own personalities. They're really precious to us."

Andy Hill at 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."