HENS that have been saved from slaughter are in need of homes in Dorset this festive season.

Thousands of caged chickens that were laying eggs to be sold in supermarkets or put in processed foods have been rescued by the British Hen Welfare Trust.

Now the charity is hoping kind-hearted Dorset residents will be willing to provide a loving home for some feathered friends.

On Saturday, the British Hen Welfare Trust will be holding a hen collection at Blandford. Anybody wishing to adopt some hens is asked to call 01884 860084 to arrange a collection.

According to the charity, hens can quickly become tame enough to handle and make a companionable pet like a cat or a dog.

“The hens have been living in cages laying eggs to be sold in supermarkets or put in processed foods such as cakes, quiches and pasta. But now they are looking for cosy carpets to curl their claws into, and pairs of legs to snooze on as winter approaches,” the charity said.

“Though you may not think it, hens are like cats and dogs with feathers and quickly become tame enough to pick up and cuddle.

“As anyone who has re-homed hens from the British Hen Welfare Trust will tell you, one of their favourite things to do is wander indoors in search of food – just make sure they wipe their feet first!”

In the UK there are approximately 16 million hens kept in colony cages. The charity has so far found retirement homes for over 660,000 caged hens, all of which were destined for slaughter.

Francesca Mapp, marketing and communications officer at the charity, which re-homes over 50,000 hens per year, said: “My own hens can often be found poking their head through the cat flap in search of a tasty morsel to eat, or a corner to curl up in and sleep.

“Having them around makes my garden (and my living room!) much livelier and, best of all, I’ve saved their lives in the process.”

The British Hen Welfare Trust was established in 2005 by Jane Howorth and is Britain’s first registered charity for re-homing laying hens.

Jane was awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year’s Honours list.

The charity has collection points across the UK and is helped by more than 800 volunteers.