AN animal welfare charity for hens, based in Great Totham, has rehomed their 20,000th bird.

The British Hen Welfare Trust’s Great Totham team was formed in 2005 by Jean Gill and Fliss Argent.

Last month saw the group of volunteers rehome their 20,000th hen, who will enjoy her free range retirement.

Jean and Fliss said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of something so special. The early mornings, pecks, scratches and bruises are well worth it.

“The friendships we have developed as a team over 12 years are precious. We would like to thank everyone involved in the trust for giving us the opportunity to give 20,000 hens a happy retirement.”

The landmark hen, called Freida, was adopted by Halstead couple Lucy and Alan Auld, and their children; Angus, two, Hattie, four, and Matilda, seven.

Lucy said: “The children adore them and are still fighting over who is going to collect the eggs first. One of the hens even laid an egg in her pet carrier on the way home from collecting her.

“They have settled in very well. Freida was the first to get on top of the hen house and jump over the fence. They learnt to scratch the ground on day three and haven’t looked back since. I also spied one of them sunbathing the other day too. Their little personalities are really coming out and they are such fun, a real form of happy therapy.”

The next re-homing in Great Totham will take place on Sunday, June 25. To find out more or reserve hens visit bwht.org.uk or call 01884 860084.