King Welcomes One Millionth Hen to Highgrove Gardens

In a heartwarming gesture, King Charles has adopted the one millionth hen from the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), naming her Henrietta. The adoption took place on August 17 at Highgrove Gardens, the royal residence in Gloucestershire, where Henrietta was rehomed alongside 30 other hens. The birds arrived in a specially crafted carrier designed by renowned British fashion designer Lulu Guinness. The BHWT, founded by Jane Howorth, focuses on rehoming commercial laying hens, which are often culled after 18 months of egg production. The charity has successfully placed hens in various settings, including schools, community gardens, and even prisons, aiming to change public perception and encourage the adoption of hens as beloved pets. Howorth expressed her excitement over reaching the milestone of one million hens rehomed, highlighting the positive impact on both the animals and their new owners. Howorth reflected on the journey of the charity, noting that her initial goal was to help a single lorry load of 4,000 hens. She expressed immense gratitude for the support from the British public, which has enabled the charity to exceed expectations significantly. The founder emphasized the joy of seeing so many hens enjoy a happy retirement, a sentiment shared by the compassionate supporters who have welcomed these animals into their homes. The BHWT continues to advocate for hen welfare and promote the benefits of free-range eggs, working closely with the egg industry to ensure better living conditions for hens.