Saturday 18 July 2009

Inside a different chicken coop

I recently made a visit to the Wernlas Collection in Onibury,Nr Ludlow, Shropshire. It is a unique and beautiful collection , showing off some of the many rare and stunning breeds of poultry. I was amazed to see so many different varieties on display. Some were beautiful, others not quite so. They ranged in size from something similar to a pigeon to a small dog. But they all had a fascinating history dating back for centuries and spanning many countries. It really is a fantastic place to go if you are into something a bit different.

The place is run by Sue and Shaun Hammon who have been running the collection for over 24 years. I will be going back soon to take more photographs for some articles I am working on at present, but I could not resist taking these snaps, despite the torrential rain. The chickens certainly looked more presentable than I did once I had finished!

It is well worth a visit if you are in the area as it truly is an interesting place to go, just try and choose decent weather as I found a lot of them hiding in their coops and most reluctant to come and say hello when it was raining so hard.



Silkie



Dorking - A very old English breed



The tiny and very cute, Gold Seabright



The White Jersey Giant
The name speaks for itself, they were massive!



The Black Jersey Giant






The Appenzeller Spitzhauben
I wonder what they were saying, certainly curious looking little creatures.


All details for the Wernlas Collection can be found on their website on www.wernlas.com.













Tuesday 14 July 2009

Summer Holidays

'Wow! Look at the size of those worms'




'I'm going to take a closer look'



'Whoa! Where did you come from?'


'I'm on holiday, I live at the seaside'




'It's great fun, people swim in the sea and make sandcastles. You just take a bucket and spade and fill it with sand, then pack down firmly'.




'Tip it out'




'And there you go - I'm king of the Castle'





'I want to be queen'




'No chance, this castle is mine. I shall defend it to the last'




'Just a minute, you are only visiting. I could have you put in a paella before you can say 'Lobster Thermodore'. I rule the roost around here and don't you forget it'








'OK, wow, you are one feisty chick, I don't get this much bother from the seagulls. Mind if I take a dip in your pool before I leave, I feel half cooked in this heat!
Happy Holidays everyone!