HUNDREDS of hens will be looking for new homes around York this weekend.

Charity the British Hen Welfare Trust is giving away 500 ex-caged hens at an event at Sand Hutton on Saturday, February 3 and is looking for new homes to save the birds from slaughter.

The 18 month old hens are "in need of a time out", the charity says, having worked hard laying eggs for supermarkets to sell or put in processed foods like cakes and quiches.

While 200 of the hens already have new homes lined up, charity workers are still looking for places for the remaining 300.

Ronda Morritt, Yorkshire co-ordinator, said the hens would soon become much-loved pets. She added: “There is no better feeling than watching these girls flourish after they emerge from the commercial system. Although the temperature has dropped in recent weeks, they will huddle up at night to keep themselves warm during the winter chill so re-homers needn’t worry about them getting too cold if they’re missing a few feathers.

Anyone interested can register at www.bhwt.org.uk and then call 01884 860084.

Hens need to be reserved in advance of the re-homing day and the charity asks for a donation to cover its costs.