We believe all laying hens deserve space to range while enjoying fresh air and sunshine, with the opportunity to lay an egg in a nest.
Helping hens since 2005 with 809,868 hens rehomed so far

Hen Rehoming Latest Update

The Avian Influenza, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent 3rd nationwide lockdown on January 5, 2021 have brought our rehoming efforts to a halt. Whilst we would like to be able to continue to rehome hens, at this time we have to act to protect our staff, volunteers and adopters alike — strictly within both the COVID-19 and DEFRA lockdown restriction

Avian Influenza Latest Update

From 14th December 2020 a housing order comes into force across the UK. All poultry will need to be kept under cover, away from wild birds from that date until further government advice.

Since 2005, the British Hen Welfare Trust has been saving and rehoming commercial laying hens throughout the United Kingdom. Working closely with leaders in the egg industry, the BHWT designed and developed the existing rehoming model, and to date we have rehomed over eight hundred thousand hens.

hens rehomed every rehoming weekend

hens have been rehomed by the BHWT since 2005

BHWT hens enjoy a free-range retirement yearly

people discover the joys of hen keeping every year

What we do

Rehome Hens

Each year we save over 50,000 hens from slaughter and find them caring pet homes through 40 regional pop-up centres so they can enjoy a free range retirement.

Improve Pet Hen Health

Our Hen Health pages contain information and guidance and along with our Hen Helpline service provides assistance and support for pet hen keepers.

Education Programme

Our Education Programme offers accessible, curriculum-supporting resources to schools to help pupils explore food, farming and animal welfare topics.

Demelza

"In summer Demelza enjoys sunbathing in the morning sun, returning to the shade as it gets warmer. She often indulges in a quick snooze, but makes sure to lie on her corn to stop not only the other hens, but also the colony of sparrows that live in the rafters of our cottage from helping themselves to a snack. She certainly seems to be enjoying her retirement!"

Kentucky

"She’s been part of the family for three years, along with up to nine other girls. She has a big personality and when treats are scattered she prefers chasing the others away rather than eating. She behaves like a dog, following humans and chasing our cats around the garden. Being nosy, a vantage point like the bird bath is perfect."

The girls

"The ladies enjoying a stroll in the garden. They are now all fully feathered and quite tame. We have daily snuggles, though some are more affectionate than others. My cat has resigned herself to the fact that these are the new ladies of the house, and garden, and that she must keep well out of their way!"

How you can help

Become a regular giver

Sponsor a hen

Join our Egg Club

Send us a photo

Make a one-off donation

Help to raise funds

Get involved with the British Hen Welfare Trust

Our volunteers are one of the most vital parts of the charity, generously donating their time and energy.
If you would like to be involved in our work, there are lots of ways your help can really make a difference and we would love to hear from you.

Fresh laid news

Health & Welfare

An Issue That Keeps Cropping Up; Hen Crop Issues

19th February, 2021

Health & Welfare

The Hen Treat Guide; Everything in Moderation

17th February, 2021

News

DEFRA Invites Us to Their Conference on Avian Influenza: “What the Spread of AI Could Look Like for Backyard Birds”

29th January, 2021

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The Issues That Keeps Cropping Up! 🐔🐓 🐓

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Shop

Here you will find everything you need to give your hens a wonderful new home.
We stock a range of products to help you care for your hens, all of which have been tried and tested by our re-homers across the country.
We have a great range of hen keeping equipment, health products and accessories, so everything you need to keep your girls happy.

Follow us on Facebook

Nutrition & feed advice helpline

Click here for info on contacting the Smallholder Helpline.
Sponsored by The Smallholder Range

Read our magazine

Click here to read back issues of our Chicken & Egg magazine

Subscribe to Fresh Laid News! Our Official BHWT Monthly Newsletter!

If you’d like to hear about what we get up to on a monthly basis with topics that include insights from Jane, hen advice and health tips from our knowledgeable experts, rehoming updates, volunteer perspectives, product reviews, egg industry news and anything else we think is suitably hen-related… then please subscribe to Fresh Laid News! We look forward to talking chicken with you!
P.S. As a new subscriber we’ll give you a 10% discount in our shop on your first order, so you can spoil your hens from the start.

British Hen Welfare Trust
Hope Chapel, Rose Ash
South Molton
Devon
EX36 4RF