Pecking order: how to get rescue-ready for spring rehomings

By February, we're all itching for the first subtle signs of spring

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The lengthening days make everyone – human and feathered a little more alert, and it's the perfect time to think about adding a few hens to your garden.

Across the UK, the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is gearing up for another busy season of hen rehoming. Thousands of ex-commercial layers will be leaving farms and beginning new lives as much-loved pets. A bit of late-winter preparation goes a long way, because the better set up your garden or smallholding has, the smoother that first day of freedom will be for your flock.

Whether you're welcoming your first ex-bats or expanding an existing gang, February is the moment to plan. From coop setup and ventilation to biosecurity, feed and flock integration, a little forethought now pays off when those slightly bewildered, scruffy young ladies show up in early spring.

At the time of writing, the threat of Avian Influenza still looms, so please adhere to any Defra rules that remain in place and ensure you maintain high levels of biosecurity throughout the year. The BHWT will only rehome hens where it is safe and legal to do so and where no outbreaks have occurred.

STEP ONE: IS YOUR SETUP REALLY HEN-READY?

Most smallholders have a corner that will do nicely for hens - perhaps an old shed, stable or wendy house. But ex-commercial birds have specific needs, and a February check can highlight simple tweaks that make a big difference.