THOUSANDS of chickens are looking for new homes

The Fresh Start for Hens animal rescue group is working alongside British farmers to help save thousands of hens deemed to old for commercial egg production.

All commercial hens, whether they are free range, barn or cage, are sent for slaughter at 72 weeks old.

This is because at this age they go through a moult which means their egg production drops slightly, making them 'commercially unviable' even though they can continue to lay for many more years

Now Susan Archer from Hailsham is warning that time is fast running out for the 5,000 18- month-old hens desperately seeking new homes.

Susan said: "More and more people are keeping hens in their gardens. You don't need to have a huge garden to be able to keep a couple but they do need a secure garden and coop to be locked up in at night.

"In return for their new lease of life, they will more than likely thank you with the odd egg or two. They make great pets, are very inquisitive and will even run to greet you once they have settled into their new home."

They cost just £2.50 each and this money is used to cover the cost of saving these hens and transporting them to the various collection points open across the country.

The aim of Fresh Start For Hens is to ensure as many people as possible are aware of the plight of the commercial hen, and demonstrate that there are alternatives to early slaughter.

It is a not for profit organisation

Anybody looking to take on the hens must make several pledges.

These include providing a pet home for the rest of the natural life of the hens, seeking professional veterinary care as and when required and sending a photograph of their chicken coop and free range area within two weeks of the rehoming.

The rehoming is taking place on August 13 and 20.

Beforehand visit www.fsfh.org.uk to reserve your chickens and select a collection point.