Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

King adopts British Hen Welfare Trust’s one millionth hen

The bird was rehomed at Highgrove Gardens, which surrounds the private residence of Charles and the Queen in Gloucestershire.

Ellie Ng
Friday 23 August 2024 04:53 EDT
The King has named the one millionth hen to be rehomed by the British Hen Welfare Trust Henrietta (Simon Moore/British Hen Welfare Trust/PA)
The King has named the one millionth hen to be rehomed by the British Hen Welfare Trust Henrietta (Simon Moore/British Hen Welfare Trust/PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The King has adopted the British Hen Welfare Trust’s one millionth hen – and named the bird Henrietta, the charity said.

The hen was rehomed at Highgrove Gardens, which surrounds the private residence of Charles and the Queen in Gloucestershire, along with 30 other birds on August 17.

Henrietta travelled there in a hand-crafted carrier created by award-winning British fashion designer Lulu Guinness, British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) said.

The charity works to rehome commercial laying hens and has done so in schools, community areas, prisons and back gardens across the country, “inspiring the British public to see hens as much-loved pets”.

According to BHWT, commercial laying hens are typically replaced with younger birds once they reach 18 months old to maintain maximum egg production – at which point the older animals are sent to slaughter.

Founder and CEO of the charity Jane Howorth said: “We’re thrilled that one million hens have been adopted and extremely pleased that Henrietta and her 30 feathered friends are heading to Highgrove Gardens.

To think that so many hens have had a happy retirement gives me a great deal of pleasure as I’m sure it has for all the kind-hearted British supporters who’ve taken these deserving little creatures into their homes and hearts

Jane Howorth, founder of BHWT

“Helping a lorry load of 4,000 was my original target and we’ve exceeded my expectations by some margin.

“To think that so many hens have had a happy retirement gives me a great deal of pleasure as I’m sure it has for all the kind-hearted British supporters who’ve taken these deserving little creatures into their homes and hearts.

“From the day I started this charity, it’s been a privilege to meet and work with people who want to help hens and to work alongside the egg industry to champion hen welfare and free range eggs.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in