I'm think I'm going to get some chickens. Been on my mind for a while now.
I've cleared away an area full of scrappy shrubs. It's still shaded and nicely tucked away by my patio. I think they'll be happy there.
I used to have a pet chicken called Matilda. She was rescued from a battery farm in the seventies and came to live with us in the country. Matilda survived for a long time after, was quite the character and when she finally passed away, received an obituary in our village newspaper.
She was often seen trotting along the pavement and on occasion she found her way into the back of the post office van. The postman oblivious, only realised he had a stowaway when her head popped up in his rear view mirror. She never caused an accident, but I think it was close once or twice!
Now..what to get.
I've always had a thing about Buff Orpingtons. They are matronly fluffy ginger coloured chickens and I know they would stand up to my cats. Very feisty old birds!
In fact, bit worried now...have a feeling I'm going for a Buff only because they resemble so closely, Honey - my Labrador sized cat with an appetite to match.
What do you think?
I shall call them Mary, Mabel and Martha!
12 comments:
fantastic idea...I would definitely have chickens if we didn't travel so much. I ma getting bees! Seriously I've even chosen the breed I would have if I could...Cotswold Legbar. They are beautiful chickens with very fluffly legs but their eggs are fabulous...duckegg blue to olive in colour. I sometimes buy these eggs from the WI stall in the market or from Waitrose and they are delicious as well as beautiful. Love the photos of Honeybear, what a beauty.
Happy clucking! lottsa love, Cheryl x
Fantastic idea...I would definitely have chickens if we didn't travel so much. I am getting bees! Seriously I've even chosen the breed of chicken I would have if I could...Cotswold Legbar. They are beautiful chickens with very fluffly legs but their eggs are fabulous...duckegg blue to olive in colour. I sometimes buy these eggs from the WI stall in the market or from Waitrose and they are delicious as well as so beautiful I don't want to throw the shells away. Love the photos of Honeybear, what a beauty.
Happy clucking! lottsa love, Cheryl x
I think Honey will eat them...! Or if not Bramble will if she gets a sniff. xx
Love Cotswold Legbar and their blue, cream and pale green eggs..so lovely. I filmed with Clarence Court once a few years ago for a tv show...they are fabulous birds and the eggs are so pretty!
Good luck with the bees Cheryl!!
xxx
Lotte you need one of these! http://www.omlet.co.uk/homepage/
I'd definitely recommend ex-battery hens. We adopted our three via the Battery Hen Welfare Trust (http://www.bhwt.org.uk/) and they're such characters (as you know from Matilda!). It's lovely watching them grow all their feathers back and learn about grass and dust baths etc.
There are some cockerels going free from a farm near me.. Do you want me to enquire? The lady chickens will request one! xx
Cockerels! What a great idea...yes please. I love there wake up calls...and the added benefit of a cockerel protecting the hens from my cats!!!Thanks Caroline..yes, do enquire for me.
I would love to have chickens if I had space in the garden and I would definitely have Cotswold Legbars. They make the most delicious scrambled eggs ever as they are so creamy. Good luck with your hen hunt.
Tracey
Go for it Lotte, i have had ex battery hens for the last 2 years now, infact i collect another 3 tomorrow, and i wish i had had then years ago they are so entertaining and there is nothing like being rewarded with your very own eggs laid by your very own girls, im sure i can even speak chicken now as they seem to understand what i am saying and they come when i call them-is there no end to my talents-?
Make sure you paint there coup to match your cottage though.
Henjoy xxxxPammie xxxx
Lottie - did you get your own hens?
I moved in with my boyfriend over christmas and he had some hens and we have bought a few more since and now have 19 altogether! Its great being able to wander up to the hen house and bring your own hens eggs back to the kitchen and cook with them - I have been making some fab cakes with them.
Hi Sam..not yet! I'm in the process of opening a cafe/deli at the mo, and so bonkers busy that the hens have been put on hold..however, when I am a bit more settled, I'll be filling my garden wth them!
You sound as though you are really enjoying having them around..I'm very envious!
Lottex
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