HEN-CREDIBLE! The RSPCA is on a mission to find new homes for 227 hens and a rooster named Lloyd in time for Christmas.

The birds were taken in to the RSPCA’s care after their previous owner became overwhelmed with the sheer number of birds they had to look after and now inspectors are hoping to find new homes for the flock.

The birds had been suffering from a condition called Mycoplasma but now they have been nursed back to health they are ready to head off to their new homes.

RSPCA Inspector Patrick Bailey said: “At the moment myself, Animal Welfare Officer Jo Blackburn and some of our inspectorate colleagues are looking after this large flock.

“We have transformed an old storage barn at RSPCA Ashley Heath into a huge hen house and collected, transported and housed the birds. Now they are back to being healthy we are hoping there are some kind members of the public who would like to offer them a new home in time for Christmas.

“These birds have just recovered from an illness so we would ideally be looking to rehome them somewhere in the Dorset or Hampshire area so they do not have to travel far to get to their new homes.

“The condition is unlikely to have a negative impact on the hens, they will still be capable of laying and living a perfectly normal life, but their husbandry will need to be maintained to a high standard as stress and poor living conditions can cause an outbreak. We will be able to provide information to any potential owners regarding the condition.”

He added: “Even if people are not able to offer a home to the birds but would be willing to donate a sack of Poultry Corn or some cabbages - their favourite treat - to RSPCA Ashley Heath to help us look after them, that would be gratefully received.”

Anyone who would like to rehome any of the hens should contact the RSPCA Rehoming Appeal Line on 0300 123 8484 or email chickens2014@rspca.org.uk leaving their name, address and best contact number. The RSPCA is requesting a donation of £1 per bird.

*The RSPCA says people considering rehoming the birds should consider if they have the time, resources, commitment, knowledge and facilities to care for them.

Anyone keeping 50 or more birds is required by Defra to register with the Great Britain Poultry Register in order to help the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency get in touch in the event of any disease outbreaks.