When you sponsor a BHWT hen you raise vital funds for the BHWT; funds that enable us to give a free-range future to tens of thousands of hens a year. You will receive a beautiful welcome pack with lots of fun facts about chickens, a photograph of your chosen hen, a certificate of adoption and lots more lovely goodies. You will also be updated three times a year as to how your hen is getting on in her new home!

Sponsorship is a simple way to support the BHWT and for as little as £4 a month you’ll follow your feathered friend's journey into retirement as well as support our work improving welfare for ex-commercial laying hens in the UK and beyond. It’s definitely a gift that keeps on giving!

There are two sponsorship options; postal or digital. Our digital option is more environmentally-friendly, and allows higher percentage of your donation to help hens.

Still want to receive some goodies in the post? Our postal pack allows you to receive most of your pack in digital form along with a printed photograph, BHWT postcard and other goodies.

Meet the flock!

We’ve combed through all the applications so all you have to do is choose which hen to sponsor; you can help decide by reading their stories below.

Piggy

Piggy arrived in January 2025 after a Christmas wish from a nephew who simply, adorably asked for “a hen, please.” Named by said nephew (we’re not questioning it), Piggy stepped into free-range retirement sporting a rather bald and alarmingly red bottom. What do they say about first impressions?

She settled in quickly but caused a minor stir when her pin feathers began growing through, requiring a strategic application of purple spray to preserve her dignity. Even now she carries the faintest “purple rinse” as a souvenir of her makeover.

Piggy is a wonderfully chatty girl with strong views on a range of subjects, veterinary examinations in particular. During a recent indoor recovery she became a surprise star of several Teams meetings and has since decided she’s very much a house hen at heart. Completely unfazed by four Border Collies (although deeply interested in their dinner), Piggy believes life should be lived indoors, ideally on the sofa, supervising everybody else.

Popsicle

Despite her bumpy start, and the fact she can only see out of one eye, Popsicle has settled into a gentle, calm retirement. She spends her days eating on a climbing frame so as to stay out of everyone’s way (she’s well and truly bottom of the pecking order, which suits her just fine) and trying to break into the house where she would very much like to live on a permanent basis.

Her friends Monkey, Blancmange and Penguin the rooster are part of her posse, but she’s just as happy hanging out with humans. Popsicle is as sweet-natured as a hen could be and forever grateful for her second chance. She has quite rightly put a pause on egg laying and is soaking up every minute of her new home. Good for you, Pops.

Minnie

Minnie arrived in a somewhat dishevelled state. Even so, early indicators of a glow-up were always there – not least in the form of her striking yellow legs. At first she was quiet, content to rest, keep herself to herself.

It didn’t take long for her true character to emerge. Even while recuperating indoors, Minnie was cheerfully bossing the household’s cats and dogs around, exploring every nook and cranny and settling in for cosy evening chinwags on the sofa.

Now fully recovered, Minnie sits squarely on top of the pecking order. She’s first in line for food, first to lay her egg each day, and is certainly not above pushing in front of a sizeable Labrador when breakfast is on offer. You’ll find her perched prettily on high, keeping her eye on proceedings, or vigorously tapping on the kitchen window whenever her meals have the temerity to arrive a bit late.

Peanut

Meet lovely Peanut, our very own example of a happily ever after story. In need of some extra TLC after being found with a broken leg at a rehoming day, she was taken home by BHWT volunteer Emma. She loves a chat and despite having her leg in a splint and cast for 4 weeks, always said hello to passers-by from her homemade chair in the garden with her delightful little voice.

Now recovered, Peanut is a joyful and happy little hen full of energy and enthusiasm for life. Easily identifiable by her little limp, she tries her very hardest to keep up with the rest of her flock mates when they come running for treats and fuss. Her proudest moment was the first time she climbed the ladder to the main coop on her own for the night – what an achievement for a hen who couldn’t even walk 4 months before, let alone climb!

Turkey

Bold, bright and nosy Turkey cruised into free-range retirement like it was her destiny, sitting firmly in the middle of the pecking order so as to go largely unnoticed. The only flaw in that plan is that she sticks her beak into everyone’s business so they couldn’t ignore her if they tried. Her biggest achievement was overseeing the build of her new coop. Oh, and securing Schmunt the cockerel as her boyfriend, whether he liked it or not.

She didn’t get the retirement memo and continues laying perfect eggs, as well as munching on her favourite treats when they are offered. Her goal in life is to break into the house at any cost – the nooks and crannies she could explore in there are endless! For now, she’ll have to be content moseying about with Schmunt and her pal Heebie the Brahma. Lucky Turkey.

Overseas supporters

If you’re overseas (how wonderful that our hens have made their way to your shores!) please opt for our digital option as we are unable to post packs beyond the UK.