THOUSANDS of hens are in need of homes for the new year or could face slaughter.

Fresh Start For Hens (FSFH) is calling on Hampshire animal lovers to come forward and save 3,000 hens by offering them a loving home in time for the new year.

The charity have launched a new collection point in Gosport making it easier for local people to get involved.

FSFH explained that potential owners do not need big gardens to keep hens and that the birds make “rewarding” and “entertaining” companions as well as a probable egg or two.

Alice Ashcroft, volunteer at Fresh Start For Hens, said: “Hens are so full of character, and they all have their own personalities.

“You don’t need acres of land to keep them, and they’re not difficult to care for.

“The hens deserve a happy retirement, and hopefully the New Year will bring forever homes for all 3,000!”

FSFH rehome hens to a diverse range of individuals wanting hens as pets or companion animals.

Some hens have begun their new lives in a range of locations including towns, cities, country gardens, allotments, schools and residential care homes.

Hens reserved locally will be available to collect from Gosport on January 12, 2019.

The charity also have a rehoming centre based in Southampton, and potential owners will be given the location of the pick-up centre after reserving hens.

The charity ask for a small £2.50 donation upon reserving the birds.

Commercially, egg-laying hens are slaughtered at the age of 72 weeks, when their production begins to drop.

The slaughtered birds are worth little money and are sold for dog food, baby food or processed pies.

FSFH is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers who are dedicated to rehoming hens from the commercial egg production sector.

The charity aim raise awareness of the practices and demonstrate the alternatives to early slaughter.

The organisation also focuses on working alongside British farmers and educating people about the benefits of buying free range eggs.