A year go we finally got our hens, the logical next step for my working garden. Taking advice from the River Cottage Chicken handbook we decided to get four hybrids – reliable and resistant layers. We bought our hens from Edinburgh Chickens, who have a choice of hybrid varieties.
Following a recommendation from a friend, we opted for a Solway Maxi Hen loft. The Solway hutches are made from recycled plastic and therefore very ease to clean. To protect the ladies from Fantastic Mr Fox we converted our old green house into a chicken run by replacing the side panes with chicken wire.
Our ladies proved excellent layers, averaging 24 eggs a week between the four of them. They’re also very sociable — each hen has its own personality — and great company in the garden. We hadn’t expected we’d get so attached to our new feathered friends.
Fair Isle – the leading lady of our flock – was named by Gonda because of the intricate colour patterns of her plumage. Fair Isle a Speckeldy. She’s our largest hen, pushing the others away to her peck of choice. She’s also the most docile hen, enjoys a cuddle.
Special Agent Dale Cooper – aka Coop – was named by Hilde after the Twin Peaks lead character. Coop is a Nero. She’s a feisty slug hunter, who will run to her favourite spots as soon as she is allowed out. She can be a bit cheeky, always trying to get into the greenhouse for a bite of fresh greens, and will jump up to eat currants off our bushes.
Hen Rillettes – also abbreviated to Hen – was named by Tineke after the lovely French meat spread. Hen is a Blue Bell. She our wildest and flightiest bird. She loves running with her neck stretched out – like a pheasant – ending in a short flight and can often be found sitting on top of the hutch. She’s her own bird, exploring independently and sneaks into the kitchen whenever she gets the chance.
Hilda da Hen – or confusingly also Hen – was named by Marc after the favourite children’s book. Hilda is a Partridge. She is our smallest and most vocal hen. Hilda bursts out is song when laying an egg, and purrs for attention when people are near. She had a nasty encounter with Mr Fox in Spring, but thankfully recovered following three weeks of TLC.
