The British Hen Welfare Trust has 133 ex-commercial hens needing homes at Barkham on Saturday 19 September. Bookings close 3pm Friday. How to register.

A charity collection point at Barkham still has 133 ex-commercial hens waiting for homes this Saturday 19 September (BHWT rehoming locations). Barkham is a village in Wokingham borough, a short drive south east of Reading.

Bookings close at 3pm on Friday 18 September. The hens are free-range birds at the end of their commercial laying lives. The British Hen Welfare Trust wants to hear from anyone who can take a small group (BHWT, Berkshire, Barkham).

The figure was 159 when the charity wrote to us on Tuesday.

Andy Hill of the British Hen Welfare Trust said: “If people around Reading and Wokingham can help by adopting, or even just by sharing the appeal with somebody who might be able to, it could make a huge difference.”

Key dates for the Barkham hen rehoming New adopters must apply by 4pm on Thursday 17 September. All bookings close at 3pm on Friday 18 September. Hens are collected at Barkham on Saturday 19 September. Three dates that matter Thu 17 Sept, 4pm Fri 18 Sept, 3pm Sat 19 Sept New adopters apply by the Thursday before All bookings close Collection day at Barkham Source: British Hen Welfare Trust Graphic by Reading Daily
Key dates for the Barkham rehoming. Source: British Hen Welfare Trust. Graphic by Reading Daily.

What you need before you book

The charity’s adoption guidance sets out what it expects (hen adoption FAQs):

  • Three hens minimum, because they are sociable birds. Two is allowed if you already keep hens. The maximum is 20.
  • A secure house and run. The charity’s minimum outdoor run is two square metres per bird for free-range hens, and one for ex-caged birds. Foxes climb, so a garden fence on its own is not enough.
  • A donation of £3 or £6 per hen towards the charity’s costs.
  • Transport. Bring a lined cat carrier, dog crate or a sturdy box with ventilation slits. Hens may not travel in an enclosed car boot, and you can be refused on the day.
  • Registration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. That is a legal requirement for anyone keeping hens in England. It is free, on 0800 634 1112.

How to register

Go to the charity’s rehoming locations page and click Adopt next to Berkshire, Barkham. You can also call the rehoming team on 01884 860084.

New adopters also fill in a questionnaire and send a photograph of their hen house and run. The charity asks for those by 4pm on the Thursday before the weekend you want, so first-timers should start today.

The exact address is not published. Directions are sent once a reservation is confirmed.

Sources

Image: Glenda, photographed by David Neighbour, supplied by the British Hen Welfare Trust.