Battery hen rescue on this Saturday

A hen rescue is taking place this Saturday September 14 in Maxi Zoo Mullingar.

Nuala Ni Dhuill, a store manager in Maxi Zoo, says staff began working with Littlehill Animal Rescue Sanctuary last October to rehome former commercial laying hens.

"I adopted some hens myself with no prior experience and I've fallen in love with them," explains Nuala, who adds "Watching them transform from sad, scruffy creatures into beautiful, confident characters with quirky personalities is very rewarding!"

With the opening of Maxi Zoo in Mullingar in February, the team have now embraced these birds also and to date have rehomed roughly 70 hens!

So, what does it take to adopt a hen? According to Nuala, all you need is a a fox-proof chicken coop or shed that can be locked at night, and a small outdoor area that they can scratch and roam about in.

To collect your very own feathered friends, simply go along to Maxi Zoo in Mullingar this Saturday September 14. LittleHill recommends sending a private message to their Facebook page, LittleHill Animal Rescue Sanctuary, stating the number of hens you would like to adopt and the pick-up location. You can also text the hen hotline 087 7754399.

There will be further hen rescues in October dates will be announced on the charity's Facebook page.

"This is a subject close to our hearts in-store as two of us have already adopted 12 of these beautiful birds from Littlehill," continues Nuala.

"I'm so glad I did as I feel I've done my bit to give these girls a second go at life! We hope to raise awareness with your readers and we are offering hen adopters 10% off in store at Maxi Zoo this Saturday."