The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is making an urgent final appeal to animal lovers across Earley and Lower Earley after 159 ex-commercial free-range hens were left still needing homes ahead of a rehoming event in Barkham, Berkshire, on Saturday 19 September 2026.
There are now only a few days left. Adoption bookings close at 3pm on Friday 18 September, so the charity is asking anyone who has been thinking about keeping hens to register as soon as possible.
Andy Hill at the British Hen Welfare Trust said:
“People are often surprised by how much joy hens bring. They’re funny, curious little characters, they love routine, and they’re genuinely a delight to care for. Hens make great pets, with so much personality, and many will still lay the occasional egg.
“We’ve still got 159 girls waiting for homes in Barkham this Saturday, so this really is the final push. These hardworking ladies have spent their commercial lives laying for us. Now they deserve a second chance and the chance to enjoy a happy retirement.
“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.”
The hens are reaching the end of their commercial laying lives, typically at around 18 months old. That does not mean they are at the end of their lives as pets. With the right care they can have plenty of happy time ahead of them, scratching, dust-bathing, exploring the garden and generally making themselves part of the family.
Anyone looking to adopt needs to provide a secure hen house and outdoor area, suitable food and fresh water, and a little TLC. Hens are sociable birds, so BHWT rehomes them in groups rather than as single hens.
To adopt from Barkham, visit bhwt.org.uk/hen-adoption and click adopt next to Barkham, or call the BHWT Rehoming Team on 01884 860084.
BOOKING DEADLINE: 3pm Friday 18 September.
REHOMING: Barkham, Berkshire, Saturday 19 September 2026.
