Dragons' Den contestant wants you to rehome a hen

A Dragons' Den contestant from Kent is calling for the urgent rehoming of 385 former commercial hens which are at risk of being sent for slaughter.

Katriona Shovlin, from Upchurch, appeared on the BBC business reality show in January 2025 to pitch her idea of a hotel for chickens.

Now she wants to help the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) find forever homes for the ex-laying birds it has in its care.

"We're asking everyone, whether they're experienced or new to keeping hens, to register if they have a bit of extra space in their garden," she said.

Shovlin has been running a weekend boarding home for the birds from her property since 2023.

"We've had up to 20 chickens here at times, from families who are going on holiday or in the process of moving home," she said.

"These birds that the BHWT is trying to rehome have never known grass under their feet or the sun on their backs.

"They'd make brilliant pets for somebody once they've settled in."

Shovlin added that people need to register via the BHWT website before 14:00 BST on Friday if they want to be eligible.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "These hens have spent their lives working tirelessly laying eggs for us to buy in the supermarket.

"But now they have reached 18 months old, they are at the end of their commercial life.

"However, we know they have so much more to give, which is why they deserve a second chance at a free-range retirement," they added.

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