Residents in the Boncath area are being encouraged to think outside the box when it comes to picking a pet.

The British Hen Welfare Trust, who are holding an adoption day for ex-commercial chickens in the village on Saturday, October 23, are asking people to consider whether they could give a loving home to a hen.

Domestic fowl are now the fourth most popular pet in the UK as more as more people discover the joys of keeping our feathery friends as their animal companions.

By adopting a hen from the BHWT, you not only gain a new member of the family but have the extra feel-good factor that you have helped to save a hen from slaughter.

Jane Howorth, founder of the BHWT, said: “Time and time again, the feedback we have from people who re-home our hens is how much they love them.

“Once people welcome hens into their family, they get to see what amazing, curious, funny little creatures they really are and can’t believe they didn’t do it sooner.

“These animals aren’t often thought of as pets, but they have just as much personality as cats and dogs.

“They’ll follow you around, talk to you, play with you, cuddle you.

“They’re incredibly affectionate and, after being saved from slaughter, they have so much love to give.

“You don’t need to have a huge garden or live on a farm to have chickens.

“All you need is a good-sized secure area for them to live in and a big heart.”

The BHWT do not charge a fee for each hen, but ask for a donation to cover adoption costs and hen welfare campaigning work.

If you’re interested in adopting any of the hens coming to Boncath, you need to register with the BHWT before Thursday, October 21.

The BHWT were the UK’s first charity to save laying hens from slaughter and re-home them as family pets.

Every year the charity saves more than 60,000 hens and has rescued over 850,000 since being established in 2005.

Visit: bhwt.org.uk or call: 01884 860084 for information.