A tiny chick rescued from a heap of rubbish in India has begun recovering at its new home after being found barely clinging to life.

Sally Varma, a public outreach senior specialist at Humane World for Animals India, discovered the weak and shivering bird among a pile of dead chicks discarded outside a facility in Hyderabad.

She said: 'She was very weak and had been thrown into the waste along with the dead ones. I noticed she was still alive, so I knew I had to give her a second chance. To the egg industry, her life was meaningless, but to me, she was precious.'

Sally brought the chick home, nursed her back to health, and named her Tweety.

The heartwarming rescue was shared ahead of World Hen Day on October 10, to raise awareness about the lives of chickens and the conditions many face in the egg and poultry industries.

She added: 'Most people see hens as food. I see Tweety as family. She snuggles into my arms and dozes off, feeling safe. Every day with her reminds me why I do the work I do - creating a world where animals' lives matter and their value isn't reduced to what's on a dinner plate.'

Chickens are known for their intelligence and social behaviours. They can see more colours than humans, use over 30 vocalisations - including purring when content - and enjoy sunbathing.

Studies show they can recognise individuals, solve problems, and even communicate with their mothers before hatching.

Humane World for Animals is encouraging the public to consider plant-based alternatives to chicken and eggs in support of a more compassionate food system.