A CHARITY is encouraging North Yorkshire residents to think outside the box when it comes to choosing their next family pet.

The British Hen Welfare Trust is set to hold an adoption day for ex-commercial chickens in Wombleton on Sunday November 7 and is asking people to consider whether they could give a home to a hard-working hen.

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The charity has said that domestic fowl are now the forth most popular pet in the UK.

By adopting a hen, the charity says that you will get an extra family member and have helped save a hen from slaughter.

Jane Howorth-MBE, founder of The British Hen Welfare Trust, said:“Time and time again, the feedback we have from people who rehome our hens is how much they love them.

"Once people welcome hens into their family, they get to see what amazing, curious, funny little creatures they really are and can’t believe they didn’t do it sooner.

“These animals aren’t often thought of as pets, but they have just as much personality as cats and dogs.

"They’ll follow you around, talk to you, play with you, cuddle you. They’re incredibly affectionate and after being saved from slaughter, they have so much love to give.

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“You don’t need to have a huge garden or live on a farm to have chickens. All you need is a good-sized secure area for them to live in and a big heart.”

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