Cracking On: What's Next for Hen Welfare in 2026?

From in-school chick hatching to hens as healers, the British Hen Welfare Trust is setting out its resolutions for a brighter new year

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STAY CLASSY ON CHICK HATCHING

Chick-hatching projects might look sweet on a classroom windowsill - but the BHWT believes the hidden cost can be far less cute. The high probability is that schools will be left with several cockerels despite some chick hatching organisations taking back the surplus cockerels. And as the BHWT knows only too well, those unwanted boys need homes.

"We regularly receive calls from the public trying to rehome unwanted cockerels, many of whom originated from school hatching programmes" explains founder Jane Howorth MBE. "Our primary focus is on the girls, but we set up our Cockerel Lonely Hearts service to help anyone trying to find a new home for their handsome chap, because they deserve at least some of our attention, too."

The charity has written to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and created a suite of free classroom resources to offer humane, hands-on alternatives to school chick hatching. “Some even link to maths and anti-bullying,” says Jane. “Pecking orders are a great way to teach social behaviour.”

If you're a teacher - or know one visit bhwt.org.uk to download the primary education pack.

HENS AS HEALERS