Yesterday people across the country celebrated National Poultry Day, and now a chicken charity wants to remind you that chickens make wonderful pets, not just a good Sunday roast.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is on a mission to change the hearts and minds of people, and persuade them that chickens are far more at home in a family's back garden than on it's dinner table.

Hens in particular have exploded in popularity recently to the extent that the BHWT has now re-homed more than 554,000 of them since it was founded in 2005.

Now the charity are urging people to adopt an ex-commercial hen, saying that they make wonderful pets for first time chicken owners.

Jane Howorth MBE, charity Founder, said: “Adopting some of these retired hens is one of the best things you will ever do; they are endearing, inquisitive and love to be part of family life.

"My own hens greet me with contented clucks, much as a dog wags its tail and a cat wraps itself round the legs of its owner in greeting.”

What do you think about rehoming ex-commercial hens, would you take one in? Let us know on our Facebook page, don't forget to give us a like!

Anyone who may want more information on the British Hen Welfare Trust should visit bhwt.org.uk