Chickens At Last

Our Girls

Once again we were up early this morning, and when I asked John what he'd like to do today, his reply was 'well Id like to get some chickens'. So after a quick search on the Internet we had a few phone numbers of chicken breeders. The first one said she could have them for us by Wednesday. We had two more numbers and decided to see what they could offer. So on to farm two, and this time we were not disappointed. After giving us some rather complicated directions it was off to lotty to pick up a box. Once again we were off into Leicestershire on our search for chickens. After a quick detour into another farm we eventually arrive at Goldsmith Grange, and welcomed by an over excited dog. Within ten minutes we were saying goodbye with three point of lay hens in the boot. It was like Christmas, waiting to open the box and get a better look at what was inside.

Tommy Cooper Gets Occupied

Arriving at lotty, John took the chickens down to Tommy Cooper, whilst the Blur and I quickly filled the feeders and drinkers. Once we were all within the safety of the run the box was opened and with a hand from us the girls took their first look at their new home. As soon as they were out we decided which was to be called what. The hen with the biggest crop was named Rita, the next down in pecking order is Alison and the youngest (the Blurs) is now called Cairo. John pulled the bench closer to the coop and we sat for a good while just watching them go about discovering all the goodies concealed within the grass. Being at the bottom of the pecking order Cairo was given a few stern pecks by the other two. Rita was the first to discover there was food other than grass and bugs and took a few pellets from the feeder. Cairo found the grit and made it her own little patch by constantly standing in the dish. Alison is the most elegant of the three. She has a slightly glossier plume and seems to walk with more care than the other two.

They didnt stray much from where we'd taken them out to begin with but after being put into the coop and then unceremoniously removed they strayed slightly further. They had to be put in for the night when we left and the job of rounding them up fell to me and the Blur. The first two went reasonably quietly, but Rita put up slightly more of a chase.

We did manage a few jobs around lotty, John mowed the grass, while I strimmed the bottom end which had become a bit of a nature reserve. I did have to mind a few frogs, and urge them out of the way. Eventually the strimmer decided it had worked enough and gave up for the day, and we too called it a day at that point. George and Mildred popped in for a look at the girls, and gave us a few tips on looking after them.

Its been another long Saturday, but after the hard work we all put into building Tommy Cooper its great to see it being put to its proper use. Thank you John and Blur, for all the hard work you've put into making the coop, and for being with me to enjoy what we have achieved, I love you both very much.