UPDATE (2 July 2026): Is it a scam?
After a conversation with my good friend Owen, who has a small holding and rehomed some hens a while ago from one of the many rehoming stations run by volunteers around the country working for https://freshstartforhens.co.uk
So after speaking to Owen, I had also been told it was possibly a scam. I tried to ring Richard Corbett, but the number was unavailable, for whatever reason. I then contacted Fresh Start for Hens for information with reference to the article that I sent to you via email, and they were able to provide me with some helpful information.
It turns out that although they are fully aware of it and its viral presence on social media, they were unable to assist Richard Corbett with that particular scenario because of a number of rules and regulations that must be adhered to, including the requirement that the flock be killed after 72 weeks due to traceability requirements imposed by various organisations. The birds wouldn’t be wasted because they would be converted into meat for pies, pet food, etc. She also informed me that they had the potential to rehome those numbers and have done so in the past. in a comparable circumstance.
She informed me that they are easily reachable via their website and would appreciate a commendation for the service they do.
I do not know if the Dean Farm incident was a scam or not, but all I can say is that https://freshstartforhens.co.uk is legitimate and has a track record of rehoming birds in need, and my friend Owen has used it and can recommend them. It may be worth anybody who is interested reaching out to them for more information if one is interested in supporting their cause.
I hope that clarifies the situation as it stands right now. In order to rehome hens, the organisation is constantly searching for new small holders. and would be very grateful for any recommendations.
Best Regards,
Ray
Just to be clear, there is no compulsory 72-week culling law. Many commercial flocks have historically been depopulated around 72 weeks because of economics imposed by corporations, supermarkets, etc., not because of any legal requirement.
Backyard keepers often keep Burford Browns for several years after they stop laying regularly.
A message we received for sharing with a friend:
URGENT – Please share (copy and paste)
Dear All
This is a cry for help on behalf of some seriously brilliant laying Burford Brown hens!
Richard Corbett has 6,000 feathered friends (free range) that have to be culled on Sunday the 5th of July – purely because these are the rules when supplying Waitrose M&S etc with eggs.
I’m on a mission to try and find as many homes as possible for as many hens as possible – even if its only for 1 or 10 hens. We already have five of his brood and they lay 5 eggs a day which is completely fabulous.
So, if you have it in your heart to save a few feathered lives, then please add your name to the list and return to me.
The Collection date – which has to be adhered to – is July 5th. They should be collected from Richard Corbett at Dean Farm House Binley Nr St Mary Bourne, Hants. Tel: 07881783206.
Please pass this on to everyone you know. Please share to your group and anyone else you think may be interested. We need to save these chickens.