Wednesday 27 May 2009

The perfect pet

If you are looking for the perfect pet, then why not consider keeping a few chickens? Dogs can be demanding, cats can be very independent and hamsters just run round in circles or sleep all day. A hen, however can give you so much more for such a small outlay.



And of course we are not only gorgeous to look at, we are intelligent, amusing and give you something back in the way of fresh eggs every day.


Our needs are simple. Good housing does not have to be expensive. You can opt for the secure unit with run, make your own, or even go for the modern look in the form of the eglu from www.omlet.co.uk













Secure unit with a run or an old dog kennel

It's nice to be free range and roam where ever we want, but if you are pushed for space even a small area that we can scratch in and have a dust bath will be sufficient.
















The main thing is that we are shut up safe and cosy at night time.




We need access to a little mixed corn or layers pellets. Make sure food is suspended above the ground to avoid attracting rats or mice.





The same applies to fresh water





You can make our pen interesting by fitting a perch which is good for our feet, and enough room to stretch our wings.


























So for very little effort, you get a lot back in return








We are very sociable creatures, which makes us an ideal pet. We are always keen to join in with your leisure activities.



Where's my wine gone?

So why not give a hen a home, you won't regret it.

Saturday 16 May 2009

Communal Bathing



Bath time can be so much fun. Especially if you share with a friend . . . or two!


It's great to get down and dirty in a dust bath with your pals, and you can catch up on all the local gossip while you relax in the luxurious soil.



Sunday 10 May 2009

Blodwyn - The shining flower

Once upon a time there were four little hens called Blodwyn, Braith, Bethan and Bronwen.
They lived in a world without any colour after an evil spell had been cast over the garden where they lived.





The grass had no taste, because it had no colour.








The birds didn't sing, because they had no colour to lift their spirits.









And the flower maiden was sad because there were no colourful flowers.



One day a fairy came and spoke to Blodwyn. She told her what she had to do to break the spell.



She told Blodwyn that she had to kiss the grey frog, just when he wasn't expecting it and the spell would break. So Blodwyn set out to find him.

After days of searching for him, at last she found him.






She waited for a few moments and when he was least expecting it, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
She was so nervous at what would happen next, she turned and tucked her head under her wing





But when she looked back round, everything had changed. The colour had come back to the garden.




The grass was an emerald green, and it tasted delicious.


Flowers bloomed all over the garden.









Now they had colour, all the little hens were happy again.





And the frog was happy too.






All because of Blodwyn - The shining flower.





Monday 4 May 2009

Chucks and Books at Attingham

My writers' group - 'Wrekin Writers' had a stand at the National Trust site of Attingham Park in Shropshire. On the 4th and 5th of May Attingham held its annual book fair in the grounds of this beautiful house.





We had our own marquee in the courtyard which was a wonderful setting, especially as the weather was so lovely.



We set up our stalls.

Me with my little chicken book!





Simon Whaley




Dorothy Nicolle



I even took some sepia style photos of Bethan and Blodwyn to give a rustic old look for my stand.





Bethan


Blodwyn



There was a storyteller.




And talent spotters who were trying to find members of the public who would enter our writing competition.




Julie and Nicola





Even my own 'Mother Hen' got stuck in and helped sell my book.





Phyl Blakemore


The general public browsed the stalls.





I even sold a few copies. But this wasn't just about selling books. It was a great way to spend a bank holiday. I had some lovely conversations with members of our group and the other Shropshire writers who joined us.


If you missed the event, it's not too late to buy my book which is available on the National Trust website.