MoCo Native Launches Nonprofit To Rehome Retiring Hens

MONTGOMERY CO., MD — In late 2025, Montgomery County native Abby Johnson founded the HenPals Network with one goal: finding homes where retiring hens could get a second chance at life.

The organization promotes a shift away from traditional depopulation practices used by farmers, who can either sell or donate their chickens to the nonprofit. Laying hens can be culled on large farms at just 18 months old.

HenPals Network is modeled after the British Hen Welfare Trust, a UK-based charity that has rehomed over a million hens since 2005. Johnson volunteered with the group while she lived abroad, starting back in 2023.

When Johnson moved back to Montgomery County in 2025, she wanted to keep the initiative going. Now, the HenPals Network is the first international BHWT affiliate.

"We're starting small here, but our hope is to get this model going ... creating a sort of new pipeline for those end-of-cycle laying hens, where they can have a more positive future to the more typical depopulation pipelines," Johnson told Patch.

"It's a small additional revenue stream for the farmers, and then, obviously, a big win for the hens, and the adopters, you know, I think, are often surprised by how — well, not always surprised — but, yeah, just how much joy and personality these hens bring their backyard."

Since its launch, the group has rehomed 224 hens, 170 of which were successfully adopted after the nonprofit held its first rehoming event on March 28. The event was held at the Cole Farm in Boyds, which is owned by Johnson's family.

HenPals works with a farmer based in the Eastern Shore, and typically sees new hens rotated about every six to eight weeks.

The next rehoming event is scheduled for May 2. Adopters can find details for the event by first filing an application with HenPals Network.

But, if you're considering adopting a hen to avoid those costly egg prices at your local grocer, think twice.

"If you're looking for a maximum egg output, this might not be for you," Johnson said.

"But, if you're looking for that sort of combination of a pet, you know, backyard companions and eggs, then it's a nice option."

Johnson said HenPals Network has a growing waitlist ahead of its next event, but that she wants residents to reach out to pinpoint areas of interest.

"The more we hear from people in other locations, the more we know where to sort of set our sights for our next location," she said.

Anyone interested in adopting a hen or two can stay up to date on the looming event by following the group online at their website, which includes several guides for potential adopters.

Note: This article was updated April 16 to note the nonprofit's announcement that the second rehoming event would be held on May 2.