SIR — If any readers are considering keeping chickens they might like to give a home to some 'ex-bats'. They are quite likely to be in very poor condition at first but, after a few weeks only, they begin to blossom and look like normal chickens. Mine have proved such a delight to look after, doing all the things that chickens do, and it's wonderful to see them on their journey to a fulfilled retirement. They soon learn to forage, show up on time for snacks and, to their surprise, they found they could run, in a wobbly way. They go to bed on time and aren't interested in escaping. As they do everything in slow motion, they have a calming influence on their carers. Surprisingly, they are laying lots of big brown eggs, which is a bonus. If any readers would like to consider giving a home to some of these hardest working chickens, the British Hen Welfare Trust would be happy to hear from them. It is a registered charity for laying hens and would supply an information pack with all you need to know. Spent hens are collected from over 40 supportive farmers by dedicated volunteers throughout the UK. Our local branch is based in Tiverton and they are a very helpful and kind group. There is also a health helpline, free of charge. There are approximately 16 million hens kept in cages in the UK. The charity has rehomed 200,000 so far in the few years it has been running. One of the aims of the charity is to educate the public in how they can make a difference to hen welfare and encourage support for the British egg industry, leading to manufacturers buying only UK produced free range eggs, resulting in a strong British egg industry where all commercial laying hens enjoy a good quality of life. These commercial laying hens make wonderful pets. They are cheeky, endearing and so addictive. They chatter and sing even as they go about their business. I believe, if allowed, they just love coming into the family home, making themselves comfortable and watching TV! Some of the adverts are rather upsetting, though! If you can offer a caring home to some laying hens destined for slaughter, please visit http://www.bhwt.org.uk">www.bhwt.org.uk or phone 01884 860084. You won't regret it. They are so lovely and extremely entertaining. Meg Sunningdale, Withycombe.