Hundreds of happy hens have been saved from slaughter and rehomed after rescuers responded to an appeal to take them from a farm.

Their new owners flocked to High Halden where more than 200 hens were being given away by Tenterden Fresh Start For Hens.

Hens are routinely slaughtered at 18 months when egg production slows down, but 209 birds will be allowed to live out their natural lives after being taken home by their rescuers who responded to an appeal to take them.

Co-ordinator James Green, 36, who appealed for the hens’ new homes, said: “A real cross section of people came and collected the birds on Saturday.

“It’s great to see them going to new homes and some were taken to a Maidstone centre for children with learning difficulties, who will help to look after them.

“A few people handpicked their birds but others just accepted the first one they were given.

“They all have different personalities and there really is a pecking order with some being more bossy than others.

“As flock birds they love company and their new owners will become their new companions.”

Fresh Start for Hens operates nationally and has saved tens of thousands of hens from the slaughter house.

Hens typically live for around six years.

Mr Green says they are easy to feed, enjoying food pellets as well fresh foods such as salad leaves, cabbage or apples.

He said: “Hens are slaughtered very early on.

“As soon as they are not commercially viable and all because we want to pay as little as £1 for six eggs, so it’s good that we are able to re-home these girls.”

The Tenterden hens were part of 2,200 hens that we rehomed nationally on Saturday.

To find out more tweet to @tenterden_fsfh or visit the Tenterden Fresh Start For Hens Facebook page.

To reserve a hen, fill out a form on the reservations page at www.freshstartforhens.co.uk or email reservations@freshstartforhens.co.uk