THESE shocking images show the devastating treatment of ex-battery hens now safely living at RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre.

Having had a previously dire existence, before they were brought to the South Mimms centre, the 225 chickens had literally been entombed in wire cages.

Some of them are totally bald where they have been “plucked alive” by the other chickens sharing their cages.

Thankfully their feathers will grow back and now they are in desperate need of a new start in life: a home and a loving family.

Anna White, manager of the Packhorse Lane centre, told the Potters Bar Edition: “These birds have suffered an existence that no living creature should ever be subjected to.

“They have been trapped in wire cages with no more space than a piece of A4 paper, their beaks clipped, many are bald where they have been literally plucked alive by other chickens.”

She added: “In return they [the chickens] will make you smile as you watch their comical antics and, when they feel fully settled, they will give you tasty fresh eggs.

“Can you offer them a home for the rest of their lives?”

The chickens will need a warm, dry secure hen house and an area to roam around in, fresh food and water, tasty vegetables and treats.

If you can give any of them a home call the centre on 0300 123 0704.

Alternatively you can visit the chickens at the care home open every day, except Wednesdays, from 11am until 4.15pm.