HUNDREDS of hens are hoping to start the New Year by finding a new home.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is hoping to find homes for 250 ex-commercial hens in Crowthorne on January 26.

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Kate Vose, Berkshire co-ordinator, said: “We’re really hoping to get 2020 off to a fantastic start by finding homes for all 250 hens in Berkshire.

"Not only will you get the feelgood factor from knowing you’ve saved lives, but you’ll also be rewarded with flock of a funny, inquisitive, life-enriching feathered friends to enjoy."

Residents will be able to rehome a chicken and help them have a better life than being packed in a cage.

BHWT has said that once hens reach 18 months old, they are no longer considered commercially viable and are classed as 'end of lay', so would be sent to be slaughtered.

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However, the charity is urging people to come forward to give hens the best possible retirement.

Ms Vose added: "These hens really do deserve their retirements, so if you’ve got a bit of space in your back garden, some time to give and space on your plate for an egg or two you can’t go far wrong by adopting some ex-bats.”

Charity BHWT was established in 2005 by Jane Howorth and she was awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year's Honours list.

So far, the charity has found a home for more than 750,000 caged hens, all of which were destined to be killed.

Visit: bhwt.org.uk to rehome a hen or call 01884860084