Hen 'adopts' dog litter

Friday, 5 March 2010 09:00

An unusual dog adoption has taken place in Shrewsbury.

A hen has decided to take control of a new litter of pups, belonging to the Tate family.

Edward Tate revealed that their pet dog Nettle had recently given birth to a litter of pups but when the puppies' mother went for a roam, the hen, Mabel, decided to take over.

Mabel, who has been living in the house at the Tates, was brought inside after damaging her foot in an accident with a horse.

Mr Tate said: "Mabel observed Nettle's behaviour and, as soon as there was a chance, she hoped into the dog basket to roost on the pups."

The one-year-old hen takes the opportunity to keep herself and the newly-born puppies warm when Nettle heads out to the yard.

Hens aren't the only ones interested in dog adoption though. At the end of February, Grammy award-winning singer Colbie Caillat revealed that she was really enjoying living with her recently adopted dog, Plum.

Animal Friends Insurance, one of the largest independent pet insurers in the UK offer dog insurance, cat insurance and horse insurance to UK residents.

Posted by Angela