New homes are being sought for more than a thousand ex-commercial hens.

About 1,400 birds are due to be rescued by Chicken Rescue UK, a community interest company that buys chickens from farms to stop them being slaughtered.

Chicken Rescue UK is seeking to rehome thousands of hens

Linda O'Mahony, a volunteer with the Swanley-based branch of the non-profit rehoming organisation, said: "Chicken keeping has become a lot more popular since the lockdown happened.

"There's a community that comes with what we do, that's full of an eclectic mix of people.

"Being part of that community and saving chickens' lives is good for your mental health."

The appeal comes after the hens were saved from the slaughterhouse.

They were deemed surplus to requirements, as when they reach 72-weeks-old their egg production starts to slow down.

The farmers then look to replace them with younger ones to make sure eggs are still being produced.

But the animal rescue service says the chickens can live for five to 10 years and are worth rescuing.

Linda, who works with the Swanley branch of Chicken Rescue UK, has been volunteering since 2014 and regularly rescues chickens and ducks.

The 58-year-old IT analyst said that hens are rescued all over the country and that the organisation is always looking for new volunteers.

In addition to saving chickens, the branch also rehomes ducks and a recent post about the need to save the birds attracted thousands of shares and comments online.

Potential adopters can fill out the online form on the Chicken Rescue UK website and donate £2.50 per hen, which goes towards the collection of the birds.

The hens will be collected on July 9.