Rescue centre aiming to rehome 1,400 chickens

An animal rescue centre says the "power of social media" has been a massive help in finding a home for almost 1,400 chickens.

Coppershell Animal Rescue, in Gastard, Wiltshire, was approached by a local farmer about rehoming the birds with just six days' notice.

The 15-month-old hens, used for egg-laying, had been destined for the abattoir.

"We've had quite a few schools, nurseries and old people's homes get in touch," said Coppershell founder Jenna Acourt.

Coppershell said the farmer needed to clear their barn for younger chickens to keep up with rates of egg production.

"We managed to rehome 4,000 a month ago, but we never do it at such short notice," Ms Acourt said.

"We work with the farmer, and there's a big push towards the ethical approach.

"It makes the farmer feel better than having to cull them, so everybody wins," she added.

The hens will be brought to the rescue centre on Sunday, checked over, and then their new owners will come to collect them.

Ms Acourt said an online appeal by another sanctuary that they work with had been a huge boost.

Goatacre Animal Sanctuary's Facebook appeal was shared more than 1,100 times.

Ms Acourt added she is now looking forward to a "long day" when the birds will be collected by their new owners.

Of the 1,400 looking for new homes, just 100 remain without a place to go.

"We have to catch each chicken by hand, and then we follow them on their journeys and their new lives.

"We spend a lot of time saying we don't have any chickens to give away, so it's nice we finally have a home for them all," she said.