Hen Helpline

Every year our Hen Helpline supports 2,000 people in need of advice for their poorly pet chickens. And we do this for free because we want to help as many chickens as possible.

Why is our Hen Helpline needed?

The number of pet hens in the UK is on the rise. More and more gardens are alive with the sound of chicken chatter and fresh eggs being laid.

With more pet hens around, there’s a greater chance of someone needing advice and help if their chicken falls ill or behaves in a way their keeper doesn’t understand. However, there’s still a gap in the veterinary curriculum with less than one day of a vet’s five-year training dedicated to poultry.

Our helpline acts as the first line of support for poorly pet hens. We’re not trained vets, but we do have lots of experience and know more than a thing or two when it comes to caring for hens.

Support our Hen Helpline to grow!

Providing this vital free resource costs our small charity over £2,000 per month.
Can you donate today to grow our Hen Helpline so that we can reach even more hens?

Who can use our Hen Helpline?

You don’t need to have adopted hens from us to use our Hen Helpline. Neither do you need to live in the UK.

Our Hen Helpline is for any hen anywhere and for any issue. We give advice about everything from bullying to unusual egg laying and vent problems.

So, if you have a concern about your pet hen, please do get in touch.

Please note that this is a free service and we will do all we can to help you nurse your hen back to full health. However, with more than one million hen keepers across the UK, demand for our help and support is increasing rapidly and as a small charity, our resources are limited.

Therefore, due to the popularity of this service, we keep calls to 15 minutes so we can be ready and available for the next hen who needs us.

I've used the Hen Helpline three or four times and, on every occasion, I've been deeply grateful for the attention I've received and the advice.
I've also been astonished that you're able to maintain such a high level of assistance, and so directly, at the end of the phone, not through some automated chat box. I don't know how you manage it, but I hope you keep it up. I know donations help, of course, and on every occasion I've used the Helpline I've been moved to make one.
Anonymous

Being able to talk to someone helpful and knowledgeable so quickly is just invaluable. I don't think my hen would have survived actually as her impacted and sour crop together was pretty severe. I know of your online chicken health support but I hadn't experienced this before and speaking to someone made such a difference.
Susanne Waterfield

Thanks for your help and advice when my hen had a prolapse. Thanks to Alison’s expert knowledge my hen has made a full recovery.
Lynda Smith

BHWT have been a lifeline for us a couple of times now. As we don’t have access to “Hen” vets it’s a case of the internet and do the best you can. Just knowing there is someone you can discuss it with and be reassured you are doing your best is fantastic. Keep up the brilliant work. Thank you so much.
Karen Barnes

Thanks to Denise for help re. my underweight hen Gertie.
Martin Jones

The advice I had from Louise this weekend has been both extremely helpful and very reassuring in identifying and starting treatment for Gladys and her sour crop. She is already improving rapidly from having been a very poorly hen. This is a fabulous resource to have available.
Barbara Holcombe

I've used the Hen Helpline three or four times and, on every occasion, I've been deeply grateful for the attention I've received and the advice.
I've also been astonished that you're able to maintain such a high level of assistance, and so directly, at the end of the phone, not through some automated chat box. I don't know how you manage it, but I hope you keep it up. I know donations help, of course, and on every occasion I've used the Helpline I've been moved to make one.
Anonymous

Being able to talk to someone helpful and knowledgeable so quickly is just invaluable. I don't think my hen would have survived actually as her impacted and sour crop together was pretty severe. I know of your online chicken health support but I hadn't experienced this before and speaking to someone made such a difference.
Susanne Waterfield

Supporting you after loss

For all the joy and happiness hens brings into our lives, we can be left with a real void when they pass away. Our pets are so much more than just that – they are members of our family. If you find yourself suffering with grief after the loss of a hen, our team are bereavement trained and a friendly voice at the end of the phone for support and advice.

Contacting the Hen Helpline

If you have used our Hen Helpline and would like to support the service, you could consider giving a donation to cover continued running costs. Any amount would be very welcome and will help us to help even more hens. All funds raised will be spent on our lifesaving work, including the Hen Helpline and hen rehoming.

If you have a question, a concern or just want to speak with someone who understands the needs of ex-commercial hens, give our Hen Helpline a call on 01884 860084 or email your question to henhelpline@bhwt.co.uk.

Prior to calling, please read our Hen Examination Guidelines and examine your hen so that we can give the best possible advice.