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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 over 800,000 hens rehomed so far
2020 has seen 2 lockdowns and an avian flu outbreak. Our resources have been stretched thin, when our work right now is more important than ever.
We need YOUR help now!
Learn how you can help
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Helping Hens Since 2005

so far we have rehomed hens

AVIAN INFLUENZA
In response to the heightened risk of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared in England, Scotland and Wales.
Avia influenza updates
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.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have created a huge surge in demand for ex-commercial laying hens, and the BHWT has risen to the task, responding safely, compassionately, and efficiently. We have implemented a COVID-19 “safe” CLUCK & COLLECT rehoming process which ensures the safety of our volunteers, our staff and our rehomers, whilst allowing us to save hens and place them into hen-friendly homes once again. Our nationwide network of pop-up rehoming locations are now open and our hundreds-strong volunteer team is fully engaged, rehoming thousands of hens each rehoming weekend.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us reflect on what’s important; slowing down and returning to a more grounded, healthier lifestyle. And so it follows that hen-keeping has once again been embraced by the nation — not only for its benefits of providing a delicious breakfast — but also for promoting a sense of wellbeing, relieving daily stressors and providing hours of endless entertainment. Hens really are the pet that gives back.
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Approx. 2,500 hens rehomed by the BHWT every rehoming weekend
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Since 2005, 800,000 hens have been rehomed by the BHWT
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Approx. 60,000+ BHWT hens now enjoy a free-range retirement each year
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12,000 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.
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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.
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Education Programme

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

Volunteer

Latest news

Leila Scobie
News

Hen Hotel

Leila Scobie, one of our amazing Team Scotland volunteers shares her journey from hen welfare to creating The Happy Hen Hotel. Our hen journey began

Read More »
26th November, 2020

Cheeky chicks and fluffy butts

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.

Shop Now

The ‘Thank You for Adopting Me’ Bundle

We have created this special 'thank you for adopting me' bundle which offers all you need to set up a small flock of 3 - 4 hens!
Buy now
£19.99

Dengie Fresh Bed for Chickens

Dengie Fresh Bed for chickens is a chopped straw bedding with the addition of pine oil giving natural anti-bacterial properties.
Buy now
From £16.69

BHWT 2021 Calendar

Get your 2021 Official BHWT Calendar .This lovely full-colour calendar features hens we’ve rehomed from around the country, doing the things they enjoy most: living life.
Buy now
£8.99

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Nutrition & feed advice helpline

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

Read our magazine

Chicken and Egg Magazine Issue 25 Cover
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.

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

© 2020 British Hen Welfare Trust | Company Number 8057493 | Registered Charity Number 1147356. Copyright All rights reserved.