Throughout April animal lovers across the UK will be celebrating National Pet Month and the British Hen Welfare Trust is reminding people to not forget our feathered friends.

National Pet Month promotes responsible pet ownership and will see thousands of people up and down the country celebrating their pets and raising money for their favourite charities.

The message of the month is 'there's a pet out there for you', and the BHWT would like to urge people to consider adopting a hen as a pet.

The BHWT also rehomes ex-commercial hens, and says that by rehoming one you would be saving the hen from slaughter.

Jane Howorth MBE, founder of the BHWT, 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.

“If you’re thinking about adopting hens my advice would be – do it. And if you’ve already got some it would be wonderful if you’d consider raising a few pennies to help save even more.”

Emma Louise Kirby, who re-homed her hens from the BHWT, said: “Our girls have progressed from shy and nervous creatures into confident, beautiful hens who love any form of interaction with us humans. We can’t imagine life without them now.”

Lynda Smith, who adopted her hens from Haslingden, said: “Since being introduced to each other Hetty Hen and Annabelle the cat have been best friends.

"Annabelle shares the garden with our three hens and she loves dust bathing with the girls.”

What do you think about National Pet Month, would you consider rehoming an ex-commercial hen? Let us know on our Facebook page, don't forget to give us a like!

For more information about the charity please visit bhwt.co.uk