Unsurprisingly, we fell into the latter category, and chose our hens mostly because they looked cute and colour coordinated with each other.
We chose a lovely Lavender Orpington (Mildred) who is a gorgeous lavender grey colour (very Farrow and Ball), and a Cream Legbar (Betsy) because they lay blue eggs (I know!) and a pair of Partridge Brahma's (Mr Cock and Audrey), because every man needs a massive cock (so the boy tells me!) and this one is particularly impressive!
Above: Mr Cock looking mighty fine in his new home!
Outside the chicken house I painted myself linky here!
Above: Mr Cock and his brood -Audrey, Betsy and Mildred (l to r)
Above: Betsy, Audrey and Mildred's backside!
Already we have had 4 eggs (although one was trodden on in the excitement), and although I knew I was going to enjoy having them, I never realised how quickly I would become attached to them!
Betsy is the youngest and smallest, and was at first a little hen pecked by Audrey, but Mildred won't let her be bullied and stands up to Audrey on Betsy's behalf (I love a chicken with good moral values), and now things seem much more harmonious.
Mildred makes a great commotion for about 30 minute before she lays an egg, whereas both Audrey and Mr Cock both go crazy after Audrey lays an egg.
I am now really concerned that some sly fox will come accross them and get through the chicken wire - I had no idea they could do that, and so my next task will be to buy some heavier gauge wire mesh and try to make it all more secure - any advice on how to do this will be greatly received.
I also picked up a gorgeous vintage wire egg basket at the auction, and will be sprucing it up very soon with pictures to follow.
Right off to make an omlette! ;)
