Frequently Asked Questions


You may already be feeling excited about welcoming your hens home, and for good reason. They really are wonderful companions.

Before collection, we encourage you to take a moment to review the questions below so you feel confident and well prepared.

  • Our first rehoming site is in Boyds, Maryland (Montgomery County).

    Not local to Maryland? We're actively building a network of future sites across the region; register your interest—it helps shape where we go next!

  • We announce rehoming dates a few weeks in advance. When one opens near you, you’ll be able to reserve hens directly on our website. In the meantime, you can join our waitlist or sign up for updates.

  • There’s usually a minimum of 3 hens per household (since hens are flock animals) and a maximum based on availability and your setup.

  • We ask for an adoption donation of $12 per hen to help us cover transport and care costs.

    For those taking 10 or more hens, the adoption fee is $10 per hen.

  • These hens come directly from commercial farms at the end of their commercial cycle. They may arrive with feather loss or other signs of previous confinement, but most recover beautifully with time and care.

  • No! We welcome first-time chicken keepers. We’ll provide basic care guidance and link you to trusted resources for getting started.

    Be sure to visit our Hen Care page and let us know that this is your first time when booking.

  • Check your local zoning rules or HOA guidelines. Many areas allow backyard hens, but some have restrictions on flock size or roosters.

  • Many hens will continue to lay for a while, but we cannot guarantee it. We encourage adopters to value the hens for their companionship—not for their eggs.

  • The hens are coming from commercial egg farms—sometimes free-range, sometimes cage-based. They are typically rehomed at around 18 months old, when farms replace their flocks.

  • You can volunteer, help with transport, host a future rehoming site, or just spread the word! Sign up here to get involved.

  • Many states do require you to register your address if keeping poultry, so that they can keep you updated on any health-related updates, such as avian flu in your area.

    If living in Maryland, register your flock here. This is free and required by the state.