Inside the chicken coop

A new experience

2012-02-06T01:20:00.000-08:00

We can all remember how excited we were as children when the first snow appeared. The other day my little ex-battery hens experienced snow for the first time in their young lives. It was so entertaining to watch them trying to work out what this cold white stuff was. Luckily for them, Blodwyn and Bethan soon showed them what to do.

'What on earth is that?'
'Duno, doesn't taste that great'

'It's snow! You don't eat it, you scratch until you find what is underneath'

'The secret is to just have one foot at a time on the ground, that way you won't feel the cold so much'

'Like this?'

'Whooh, this is fun, I like snow!'

'If I run really fast, I won't feel the cold'

' I shall just fly over it.'

Several hours later . . .

'Oooh my feet are cold now, I think I'm getting chilblains'

'Come on, time to go in and get warm'

'That's better, my feet feel all warm and tingly now. That was so much fun!

Glad it's out there and not inside our coop though.'

Other people's rubbish

2012-01-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

Isn't it odd how some folk are absolutely fascinated in other people's rubbish?

My girls had a whole day to free range in the sunny garden but were more interested in what I was throwing away.

Happy little hens

2012-01-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a wonderful time for my new little ex-battery hens. The weather has been mild and so they have been out in the garden every day enjoying their new found freedom. It's amazing how they are coming on in appearance and also their behaviour. I had them feeding out of my hand the other day, just as Blodwyn and Bethan do. It's as though the old girls are actually teaching their new sisters how to act.

The wonderful thing is that they all seem to be getting on with each other too and enjoy posing for the camera!

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-25T04:16:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I knew he wouldn't forget my little girls at Christmas, and it feels even more special as today is my 100 post on Inside the Chicken Coop.

Wishing you all a magical Christmas and wonderful 2012.

Moving to the big house

2011-12-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

After two weeks of getting my little ex battery hens, I am thrilled to report on their progress. I had a few weeks of worry before collecting them as apparently some do not make it due to the dramatic change of life style. Thankfully, Faith, Hope and Charity are enjoying their new life and seem to be thriving in their surroundings.

I introduced them last week to Blodwyn and Bethan and was very happy with how it went. I let them meet through some netting first then took the plunge and put them into the large run all together. Bethan puffed herself out and swamped the poor little things but it wasn't too aggressive and soon they were all free ranging together. Tiny little Charity pictured below is the smallest of the three but was happy to scoff some lunch while the old girls sussed her out. The sweet thing is, she has now latched on to them just like a little sister and follows them around. I think they are showing her the ropes as she was the first to come out and scratch around with them and is already using the proper water container to drink from. Prior to this they were actually paddling in their water container then standing on the edge to tip it over. I was replacing it constantly so this is a great result that they are all following the experts and learning how to live.

It was always my plan to introduce them as soon as possible, as Bethan and Blodwyn have a huge coop with plenty of room and it didn't seem right to keep three young hens in a little coop. The good thing is I can use that now for a nursery pen and it will be great when I get some more as I hope to in the future.

The most touching sight was to see these little hens scratching around and taking their new world in. Pictured above is Hope enjoying her new surroundings, though she is still a bit confused with it all and retreats back into the safety of the coop every so often. They seem to love just being inside the coop too as there is so much room for them and plenty of things to stimulate them. I dragged some large branches in the other day for them to perch on also some old logs that are full of interesting things for them to peck at.

I was thrilled when I finally put them all into the 'Big house' all together, they ate a light supper and took themselves to bed without any problems and next morning there were not too many ruffled feathers, which makes me hope that they are getting on.

It's great to watch their progress and see them learn how to free range, enjoying life inside and out of their new chicken coop.

Faith, Hope and Charity

2011-11-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

I went to pick up some ex-battery hens today. It was a very moving experience as when I got to the pick-up point, I met many people carrying hens away in all sorts of containers to start a new and happy life.

Within minutes of completing the paperwork, I was presented with my three little girls, who only this morning would have been living a very different life to the one they are now.

I sat with them on the journey home, peeping at them often to make sure they were ok. I even ensured we had relaxing music for them as we drove along.

It was amazing to watch as I pulled the cover gently from the top, they all moved towards the corner of the box to be bathed in the sparkling sunshine that beamed through the car window. Maybe their first experience of sunlight.

On reaching home, we lifted them into their new coop and very soon they started to eat, drink and explore their new home and by dusk they obediently let me put them to bed.

So, this is a new life for Faith, Hope and Charity. In the months to follow they will join the existing team and show a different side of life inside the chicken coop.

A special commission

2011-11-18T01:02:00.000-08:00

This is a painting by artist Suki White - http://www.sukiwhite.moonfruit.com/
We have just been on our annual Wrekin Writers retreat and she was working on this while we were there.

She kindly gave me the painting after I remarked on the resemblance of these hens to my own girls below. Bethan and Blodwyn now feel very special as they believe I commissioned the painting especially for them.

Scream if you dare!

2011-10-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

"Hey, look at this place, it looks interesting."

"I think we should go in."

"Not sure about this, it says 'KEEP OUT."

"Rubbish, I will go in! No body scares me! "

"What's that noise? I can hear something coming!"

"Here we go again Blodwyn - more spooks trying to scare us."

"We'll show them - BOOOOH!!

"Aghhhhh, that's so scary! Did you see that? It went for me and the other one ate a whole worm in one go! I'm off."

"That's better now we can get on with with our fun without all these silly spooks trying to enter our coop"

Adoption

2011-10-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

'Girls, I need to talk to you about something very important.'

'What is is it? Are you doing another crazy blog and want us to take part?'

'No, it's more important than that. We are going to adopt some hens. Ex Battery hens, they will need a lot of love and caring for, I need you to help me.

They will not look like you or behave like you. They will not have feathers and they may not be able to walk and talk as you do, but I want you to accept them as you would any other hen. We need to work together to make them happy when they come to their new home.'

'Oh fab, this sounds good, new sisters!'

' I want to play football with them.'

'I shall give them beauty tips.'

'But hold on, where are they going to live?'

'Here, I need to make sure they are OK before you all get acquainted, you will be able to get to know each other slowly this way, and you can natter over the garden fence to each other.'

'Oh that's a cool little coop, we will come and visit them, perhaps we will invite them round to us some time.'

'Yes, we will, I can't wait to meet our new additions. The door is always open to any friend - inside the chicken coop!'

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

2011-09-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to make some Perry this year from my windfall pears. I spent a few lovely hours in the garden today. As the hens scratched around, I picked the fruit. They weren't interested while I was picking and raking the pears from the ground but as soon as I put them into the barrow they ran like mad and started eating them- little madams! They soon picked out the over ripe ones too that are starting to ferment. I will have to get them up soon before I have drunken chickens to cope with!

Why is it when a human shows an interest in something our animals join in? Usually it's only if there is food on offer though, they never help me clean out their coop or tidy the shed which is full of rat droppings!

The grass (or should I say the glass) is always greener)

2011-09-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

The hens have been totally obsessed over the last few days as we were finishing off putting up the new greenhouse. Why on earth they think that the grass is greener inside a glass box with no obvious food on offer is beyond me but they were determined to get in. They were actually pecking the glass at one stage and were not amused by the fact they could not enter.

They watched me with the most peevish expressions as they stood at the doorway as even when it was open they were not quite able to make that final step inside.

So muggins here built them a ramp! Within seconds they were exploring their new see-through play pen.

I'm sure if I had left them in there they would take root. Blodwyn was more than happy to check out my tomatoes and scratch at the gravel I had neatly brushed into place! That didn't last very long.

I guess they are just like us in a way and just like to see to see things from a different angle, though the novelty hasn't worn off yet, every time I open the door, they dive inside only to stare out of the window on the outside again - crazy chickens!

Caught red handed

2011-08-21T09:08:00.001-07:00

I think the flower fairy may be giving Bethan a little telling off for scratching up my flowers. I only turned my back for a few minutes to peg some washing out and there she was digging up my Dianthus! Shocking what these free range little madams get up to. I can forgive her though and she did come quietly when bribed with a bag full of goodies!

Precious moments in time

2011-08-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Very sad news today as my gorgeous little Braith pictured right of Blodwyn died today.

She was looking poorly this morning and didn't want to come out of the coop. I almost expected it but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. The trouble is I love my animals so deeply, it's unbearable when they do go.

The wonderful thing is that I am sure she had a happy life. She was always willing to take part and join in my mad antics inside the chicken coop and out. She even had her 15 minutes of fame when she appeared in 'Your Chickens' Magazine last month to show them celebrating the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.

Braith - a wonderful old bird, who at the grand age of 6 years and 5 months has given me so many happy moments and mad things to blog about.

My Chickens Your Chickens

2011-06-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

Mirror, mirror on the wall ...... Oh dear! I reckon fame has gone to Braith's head after finding out she is in 'Your Chickens' Magazine this month. www.yourchickens.co.uk

It's a great magazine and a lovely way to share stories with other readers who are keen on keeping our feathered friends as pets. I love to hear that some folk are as crazy about them as I am.

It was such a lovely surprise to open the July issue to find my picture of the girls celebrating the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton that took place in April earlier this year. They do love to party and join in with everything that we do.

They love the limelight and I am now wondering where they will appear next? Who knows, perhaps one day I will be acting as their agent!

The feel good factor

2011-05-05T03:17:00.000-07:00

I do apologise for those of you who have had enough of the Royal Wedding but I think it really did bring the 'feel good factor' to most of the country, in fact to other parts of the world too for those who wanted to celebrate the event.

I think it was sharing with other people and of course my gorgeous animals that made it feel special. I spoke to so many people who were doing various things and it was great to talk about the fun and frolics of the numerous street parties that were being held up and down the county.

The day before we had a dress down event at work in aid of the 26 charities that the royal couple support and on the day I made a donation which covers several animal charities so I was only too pleased to give a little.

Many people that I spoke to howled with laughter when I said I was holding a party for the chickens but why not? Everyone has the right to party, especially when most of the time the news is so depressing and worrying. This was a bit of light relief, even if it was over done a little.

I like to feel that we were all part of history that day. It's like saying you remember what you were doing on a certain date back in history. I will certainly remember sharing the Mad Hatter's tea party with my sweet little hens and hearing the cars pap their horn when they passed our cottage which was also adorned with flags.

It was a wonderful celebration of life and goodwill to others, and I loved every minutue of it.

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-25T01:39:00.000-07:00

'Hey Girls! The Easter Bunny said we can start the great Egg hunt.'

'Come on, there must be some around here!'

'Found one! It's an odd shape though, still as long as it tastes good. Now how do I get it out of there?'

'Help, help! I would rather go into a chocolate fondue than end up in that beak!'

'Phew, that was close, safe at last!'

'Look at this! A golden egg that's very special.'
I wonder what Gold tastes like?

'I love these mini eggs, wonder how many I can get into my mouth in one go!'

'Well Thumper, that's it for another year. You can have all the eggs those hens never found. I spent hours hiding them and they only found a handful. Too busy scoffing them I guess.

Happy Easter folks!

A Right Royal Hen Party

2011-04-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

' Hey girls, have you heard the news today? The Prime Minister stated on national television that everyone should have a street party for the Royal Wedding if they want to.'

' I am not amused! What a waste of time and money! I shall retire to my coop.'

' Oh wow what fun, I shall have a makeover for the day, these bugs have been giving me such a bad hair day!'

' I wish a prince would sweep me off my feet ... maybe if I wore my tiara ....'

'I shall wear my crown!'

'Stop dreaming girls, we have a right royal hen party to organise. Come on we have loads to do, lets get these flags up to start with. We'll show the world how it's done!'

Back to Blogging!

2011-04-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

After nearly three weeks of having no Internet connection I had lost touch with all my fellow bloggers. I felt out of it all and the hens were getting restless , they do not like to be out of the limelight for too long!

Three weeks felt like forever, I had even forgotten which buttons to press and what to write about until today when I spent a glorious afternoon in the garden with the girls who helped me with some gardening jobs!

Trying to pot some plants!

Blodwyn meets T-Rex on the rockery

After several hours of clearing up from the mess these three little divas made, I wanted to write again, so here I am back to blogging!

World Book Day

2011-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Have a great World Book Day! It's time to celebrate and enjoy reading - whatever you're into!

Better than an Oscar!

2011-02-21T04:06:00.001-08:00

I was able to give the girls some wonderful news yesterday when I was honoured to receive a 'Gold Framed Dog Blog Award'!

These wonderful awards are given out by Penny, a very special little Jack Russel who guest appears on one of my fellow blogger's wonderful and thought provoking site Klahanie on http://klahanie.blogspot.com/

She gave out this award to celebrate the love and respect for the beautiful animals that share this planet and give us every day, pure and unconditional love. My hens certainly do that and I was thrilled to be the recipient of one of these awards.

They bring me so much joy and laughter, purely by letting me share their world inside the chicken coop. They ask for so little but give me a massive return - not only by their adorable company but eggs nearly every day and the motivation to write about them!

Who needs an 'Oscar' when there are awards like this around?

Clucky in Love!

2011-02-14T08:23:00.001-08:00

'Whoohoo! I got a Valentine card! Wonder who it's from?

'I got roses, how romantic is that? I can't see a message anywhere though. I wonder who sent them?

'Yum! Stuff the romance! You can't eat cards or roses and I dont care where they came from - just give me chocolate!'

Happy Valentine's Day from Inside the Chicken Coop!

xx

A Wee Haggis!

2011-01-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

Are the Hens eggs getting stranger every day? After my last post I do wonder what will turn up next but getting a closer look I think that's a wee haggis inside the chicken coop! Wonder how that got there!

Happy Burns Night everyone!

Natural Magic

2011-01-02T02:34:00.000-08:00

'Whoa! Look at that egg! Did you lay it?'

'You must be joking, look at the size of it. I am very proud of my large eggs but that must be XXL'

'OMG it's changing colour now!'

'And again, this is scary'

'Shall we try to hatch it out?'

'No leave it, we don't know where it's come from, or what's inside.'

'But it's magical, we could be out of business if more of these turn up. Who would want our eggs when there are ones like this around? We can't compete with that!'

'Yes we can. Every time we lay an egg, there is a little bit of natural magic going on inside this chicken coop.'

'We should be proud every time we lay an egg - size and colour doesn't come into it.

Wishing everyone a happy and very magical year from Inside the Chicken Coop!

Three wishes!

2010-12-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

I thought today how un-complicated Christmas must be for animals - well that is for the ones that are loved and cared for.

I put up three little stockings tonight for my wonderful little hens and loved the expression on Blodwyns face. I wondered what she would wish for tonight along with her camera shy sisters - Braith and Bethan?

They are three very different characters, although some people may think they look similar they are not.

That is the wonderful thing about chickens, they do have the most individual and personal characters.

Can't wait to see what turns up in those little stockings tomorrow!

Merry Christmas to everyone from Inside the Chicken Coop!
xx

Now that's better!

2010-12-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

I have been so worried about my poor old girls during this freezing weather.
Yet they started to lay again and now look very healthy for old hens living through extreme weather conditions. They love their comfort and so I continue to pander to their needs.

I have so far fitted three shower curtains to protect their coop from the snow and ice.

I put the curtains onto a proper curtain wire so when it is sunny I can draw it back to allow the maximum amount of sunshine into the chicken coop and when the weather gets nasty I can shut them in and keep them cosy.

Tonight I took them a little bread and warm skimmed milk (they do like to watch their figures) they were so appreciative.

Blodwyn tucked in first as usual. The milk was dripping from her beak! I think if she were human she would be like the 'Nigella Lawson' of the chicken world - Beautiful and loving her food!)

Hope all our animals stay safe and warm in this weather.

Was it wrong of me to laugh?

2010-11-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

I had an unexpected half day of work today so wanted to make full use of the extra time.

As usual I divide the time between being with my animals and my writing, so I was so pleased that I managed to let the girls out for a while to stretch their wings. Although they love their cozy coop which is safe while I am work, it's great to see them pottering around the garden while there is some daylight and today they welcomed the few hours outside of the chicken coop.

When they have a bit of freedom they always do the funky chicken meets 'Eddy the Eagle Edwards' act but today they did a new routine that would not go a miss in strictly come dancing.(well in some cases anyway!)

The ground was very wet and slippy. As they emerged one by one from the coop, they did their own star turn by flapping their wings in delight, running as fast as they could - then doing a mud slide in most un-dignified manner.

I did notice that each of them did not learn from the previous one's mistakes and just went for it anyway, all falling in the same spot, poor things! Was it wrong of me to laugh?

Spooks in the Coop

2010-10-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Bobbing for apples.

Alas, poor Yorick.

Forget it Casper, you don't scare me!

Pumpkin Head

Igor the feathered claw

Even Witches have pets!

Happy Samhain to everyone!

Harvest Hiccups

2010-10-18T04:19:00.000-07:00

Oh fab! Windfall apples, full of naughty goodness. Just look at that rotten one, it's full of fermenting tasty bits.

Yum, I may have to sample one of these as well.

Or perhaps two! Yummy, I can taste the natural sugar and it's making me so happy! Weeeeeeh!

Oh dear! I feel soooo wob-errr-ly - Hic!

Ohhh my head hurts-hic! Ohhhhhhh, noooooo, I feelz bad! Hicc!

Beddddz I need my bed, hehehe!! Hic! Hahah Hic! Oh nooo I'm going to throw up that worm I ate earlier. Sl-eeep, I need sl-eeep.

Several hours later and more than forty winks

Oh that's better, never again! Hmm, well perhaps not until next year. Anyway, I am taking the meaning of harvest quite literally. I shall reap, gather and eat! In moderation of course.

And then there were three

2010-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today was supposed to be a very lucky day due to the way the calender has fallen as it is 10/10/10. Unfortunately for me one of my hens died today. I felt so miserable for a couple of hours and I certainly didn't feel lucky. However, on reflection and in the company of the three gorgeous girls that are left, I think I am very lucky. I am lucky to have these wonderful little companions that share my life and put up with my mad behaviour inside their chicken coop.

A comment that Simon Whaley made on my other blog Working2Write, made me see that if I had never kept chickens, I would never of had my little book published.

I had just buried Branwen and was sat on the bench balling my eyes out when Blodwyn (my favourite) jumped up beside me. It was like when a dog can tell you are upset. They seem to sense the change and whatever their intentions are, it usually works, as it did for me. We sat in the sunshine looking out for a while, she was so close I could hardly take the picture below, but it was precious to me. Yes, today I do feel lucky!

World Animal Day

2010-10-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's World Animal Day today and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the relationship we have with our beautiful animals all over the world.

This fantastic organisation also supports decent conditions for all animals to live in.

Check out the World Animal Day website at www.worldanimalday.org.uk/

My hens are enjoying a sunny coop today but yesterday when it rained constantly, I went out and bought two very cheap shower curtains to cover the exposed areas. It rained so hard that the roof had started to leak and they looked very miserable, but after a while they were soon snuggling down in the straw and enjoying some boiled rice!

Whether you keep animals or not, it's great day to think about all the wonderful and amazing animals that share our planet.

Friends

2010-09-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

I went to Harlech over the weekend and the owners of the guest house keep these lovely little Bantams which I had to photograph.

As I approached the coop I thought I was going mad when I could see a beautiful border collie staring out from what looked like the inside of the coop. Apparently she goes around the back of the pen and sits with them most of the day with no agression or wanting to harm them. If she wanted to hurt them she could easily jump inside the open coop where this one is standing, yet she goes every day to spend time with them.

Her owners said she was not the brightest of collies, who are usually known for their high intelligence, yet I think she shows us humans that it is possible to make friends in the most unlikey situations - just like in the classic novel and film 'Charlotte's Web' where a pig be-freinds a spider!

Auto-tuned

2010-08-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

"Excuse me ladies, I wondered how you feel about the Auto-Tune machine on X Factor?"

"Well, we think it's cool, but then we can't sing."

"I think it's appalling, I'm a serious artist, I certainly do not need or desire a machine to meddle with my voice."

"I think it's shocking too."

"I mean to say, it's not like we need any tricks to get us to perform well!"

A fairy egg?

2010-08-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

I know there will be a very clear and logical explanation as to why one of my girls has laid the smallest egg I have ever seen from a hen, which is no bigger than a ten pence piece. However, I like to think they laid this one with a very special customer group in mind!

Touch Typists

2010-08-07T04:59:00.000-07:00

Who needs Paul the Octopus when you have chickens that can type?

The girls were most impressive with their keyboard skills when I gave them a typing test. They are much more flexible with their keyboard techniques than us humans and use whatever method they are comfortable with to hit the keys. I reckon they reached at least 90 wpm with a little encouragement from a very special keyboard that would not be to everyone's taste!

The amazing thing was that they even seemed to be happy if they were reading it up-side-down! How clever is that?

I wondered that as they are much more intelligent and far quicker typists than myself, I may get them working on my next novel!

Or maybe, they will want to write their own 'chick lit' best seller. They would certainly have enough material to work with inside and out of the chicken coop.

The Versatile Blogger Award

2010-07-25T01:46:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to receive the above award from Klahanie, one of my fellow bloggers who was the initial and very deserving recipient of the 'Versatile Blogger Award'.

I also said that I hoped it wouldn't go to the girls heads, but looks like I'm too late as Braith seems to have lost hers all together!

Calling all chickens

2010-07-15T09:03:00.002-07:00

'At last! Something great on telly for us to watch!'

'Why? What's on the box? Is it Chicken Run again?'

'No, it's a cool programme about the private life of us chickens! It's on BBC2 at eight o'clock tonight.'

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'Oh dear! I'm not sure I like the idea of that! My life and my space is very private thank you very much, I may not choose to share it with the nation!'

'And mine too! I like to take my dust bath in private! Goodness me is nothing sacred?'

'Come on girls, those humans still need to learn a few things about what goes on inside the chicken coop! We are amazing creatures and our ancestors have been around for so much longer they have.'

'Hopefully they will have have done lots of research and read a few good books along the way before they have an idea of what we are about!

Great Brit-Hens do us proud

2010-07-04T05:01:00.001-07:00

It's been a disappointing few weeks with all our sporting heroes crashing out of the football or tennis, leaving England and the whole of Great Britain deflated.

However, our little hens, all over Great Britain have the most amazing talent and we should be proud of them.

My girls, along with millions of other little hens, score nearly every day when they deliver a fantastic food source for us humans to eat - just by laying one of their precious eggs!

They don't get paid millions of pounds for their talent, they just ask to be treated well and to be given a good standard of living.

I often feel like I am finding something very special when I open the nest box to discover yet another one of their little treasures nestling in the straw.

The sporting tournaments will come again for those to show off their sporting prowess , but for once in a while it's a good thing to acknowledge the simple yet amazing achievement of our great little Brit-hens!!

The Cat and Chicken

2010-06-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

The Cat and Chicken - This could be the name of a pub!
No post - I just thought it was a cute photo.

Happy Summer Solstice!

2010-06-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

Thousands of people flocked to Stonehenge over the last few days in order to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

Luckily the alternative stone circle in the Shropshire countryside was a lot more tranquil, but equally as magical as the girls soon discovered! Hope it get's them laying more eggs!

Have a great Summer Solstice everyone, how ever you choose to spend the longest day!

If at first you don't succeed

2010-06-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Try again, but a bit harder!

It's party time!

2010-06-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hey look, our new strip has arrived!

OMG, my bum is going to look so big in that!

Never mind about that! Mr Capello is about to choose his team! We could still be in there girls! Let's get some practice in. We could fly over there before kick off!

Errhh, what do we do now?

Dunno, are we supposed to kick it?

Yeah - right into the back of the net - a bit like that!

It's so distracting though, having all these worms and grubs to dig up.

Ok girls, I agree, shall we leave it to the professionals? Get the telly on and let's get the party started!

Good luck England! Your fans are waiting!!

13 days to go!

2010-05-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Come on England! You have more fans than you realise, and some of them are getting into the spirit of the World Cup early! With only 13 days to go, it's football fever of a feathered kind!

Dance where ever you may be

2010-05-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

Music - A Bit On The Side - www.myspace.com/asmanyaswill
May dancers - The Bitterley Chicks

Happy May Bank Holiday! Dance, where ever you may be!

BBQ Chicken!

2010-04-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, this is not a recipe for one of our favourite summer activities!

Yesterday the weather was so lovely, we decided to have a BBQ. It was one of those disposable sort. The hens must have been interested in the activity (probably the smell) and came down the path from the main garden to join us on the patio.

The BBQ was resting low on some stone blocks and to my amazement one of the girls walked straight up to it and attempted to steal a sizzling hot sausage. I have heard of dogs doing this, but never chickens!

Luckily my husband came to the rescue with his work bench, just the right height to keep them at bay from nicking my burgers as well. They weren't put off though and stuck around for ages.

They had a good old nose around, even though there was little else to eat apart from our food.

I think they were hoping we may drop a few tasty morsels when I spotted them under the table.

Then they met a few garden friends before taking themselves back to the garden.

I acted quickly and shut the gate, just before I put on some corn on the cob on to cook.

I think they may have resorted to drastic measures in order to get their beaks on that!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

Okay big ears, where have you hidden our eggs?

You are such an interfering little Easter Bunny. Why can't you leave things alone? They must be around here somewhere?

Perhaps they are over there?

Or they could be under here? I may have to eat them to find out.

Okay, listen, I will tell you a secret, but it is one you should remember.

Sometimes, you can search for something for so long. You may go looking in places far away to try and find what you want, but then one day you find it - right under your nose. And sometimes, it turns out to be even more magical than you remembered in the first place.

Happy Easter!

20,498, plus two more love chickens - that is confirmed

2010-03-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

I attended a book fair today which was organised by The Book Nook at Newport in Shropshire. It was a fantastic event and I met so many wonderful writers, it was a pleasure just to be there and talk to other writers.

I sold two copies of my book 'One Hundred Ways For A Chicken To Train It's Human' and felt so excited that someone had picked it up while I was there and decided to buy it. I then went and spent my earnings on two other books from fellow writers that I will be blogging about shortly.

When I got home, I found my post, and a letter stating that I had made royalties from my book.

I am not bragging about this, I just wanted to say that sometimes, you really have to wait for any reward in this mad world of writing.

It has taken me three years to this month to make royalties on my book. I do not think I will never make lots of money from it, even thought I would love it if I am honest! But thanks to my little feathered freinds who inspired me to write it in the first place, and a lot of help from fellow writer Mr Simon Whaley, I have sold 20,498 copies of my book.

I just love to think that many people love chickens!

I have heard of 'Chick Lit' but this is ridiculous

2010-03-25T11:43:00.001-07:00

Just trying to read a book when I get a chuck who loves to read a book!

I can see right through you!

2010-03-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

I had to share this picture of my little hens. They were fascinated by this wire egg basket for some reason. I thought this picture shows them as individual little characters, unlike the poor metal chuck in front of them.

Today I wanted to take some photos inside the coop. I sat down on the floor at their level and started to take pictures.

As I was concentrating on one hen, the other three started to walk over my legs without any fear of human contact.

It was so special. I pick them up quite a lot, but that is on my own terms, and they have no choice. They flap their wings and struggle, but today I experienced it on their terms.

It was magical to feel the warmth of such a tiny animal against me, and even better because they obviously felt no threat, or did they see right through me?

Hope not.

Blowing away the cobwebs

2010-03-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

I had a good spring clean today inside the chicken coop. Cobwebs and dust had gathered inside their pen over the winter and it was wonderful to get out there and blow it all away in the spring sunshine.

I even had company as the girls are so nosy and like to see what I am doing in their patch.

Do not fear, this post is not about housekeeping - it's about inspiration!
There I was, sweeping out the coop, shoveling chicken poo and laying fresh bedding, when an idea popped into my head for a story. Not just one story but several - I have an idea for a whole series of stories. I had to run to my writing shack ( the shed in my garden) to scribble down my ideas in case I forgot them.

It's not even about chickens, but for some reason my girls weaved their magic and gave me an idea that I have to try.

It's a wonderful feeling when an idea comes from nowhere and makes you feel that it has to go somewhere.

Just around the corner

2010-02-28T06:43:00.001-08:00

"Hello girls, are you coming out to play?"

"Are you joking? It's horrid out there. We are fed up of the snow and rain. Even the 'Feather Girls' said it had been the worst winter in 30 years."

"I know, everyone feels the same at the moment, but look at this! Spring is just around the corner. The buds are starting to come out and the ground is getting softer."

"Ok, we will give it a try. I suppose, that veggie patch looks interesting".

"She's right, the ground has started to defrost a bit. I think there is a worm in there somewhere. Bagsy the first one!"

"Oh those are very pretty too, shame they are not edible."

"And those too, but I suppose Daffodils are an important part of Spring, and people seem to love them, they even write poems about them!"

"Oh but having a dust bath in the 'nearly spring sunshine' is so cool, perhaps a little bit too cool, but never the less, it feels good."

"And now I really do feel like a 'Spring Chicken' Yes, I think Spring is just around the corner!"

Do animals fall in love?

2010-02-14T05:29:00.001-08:00

Will you be my Valentine?

A lot of animals pair for life. Wolves, beavers,swans, eagles, some fish and even termites. A lot of other animals take the same partner for life, but do they fall in love? I think they do.

My horse Chad used to live in a field of 25 acres with up to 14 other horses, at least five of them were mares. Chad fell for Lulu, a beautiful little coloured mare, similar in markings to his own. When she was put into a separate field adjoining his, he jumped a five bar gate to be with her. They were inseparable

Chickens do not pair for life, quite the opposite as Jupiter my beautiful cockerel had many wives in his coop, and enjoyed every minute of it. But on the day I introduced him to Saturn, Mercury and Venus, he did what resembled the Michael Jackson 'Moon Walk' when he met his little brood. As you can see by the picture below, he looks all loved up snuggling into little Venus, who was just one of his wives, he loved them all of course.

It was touching to see how he spent time with them. In fact he would not leave Saturn as she spent her last hours in the spring sunshine a few years ago. Why? He had four other hens to keep him busy,corn to eat and worms to dig for, but he chose to sit with this little old hen as she died. I think that was love.

All loved up - Jupiter and Venus

Love is not just for us crazy humans who spend a fortune on St Valentine's day to say 'I love you.' Animals do it in the most simple and beautiful way. Their love is unconditional and uncomplicated, but it is true love.

A friend in need

2010-01-30T06:29:00.001-08:00

The little fairy was so fed up of the snow. She was so cold as she sat staring into the icy white garden.

The Easter Bunny was too. The snow had fallen so heavily, it had covered his eyes and ears so much that he couldn't hear or see anything.

So the flower maiden made a wish. She wished for nature to take it's course and for their friends, the little hens to help them.

The little hens came out of their coop, and with the help of the winter sunshine, they pecked away at the snow that surrounded the Easter Bunny until he was free and he could see and hear again.

Then they pecked the snow away from where the little little fairy was sitting. Now her feet were warm and she could enjoy the the winter sun on her wings.

And for being so kind to others, the little hens were rewarded with their favourite treat.

Chicken Therapy

2010-01-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

"Oh no, I've got a windmill for a head".

This is a classic photographic blunder, but I decided to keep it as it made me laugh. The girls enjoyed this morning being out on grass again after the snow covering it for nearly a month, and it certainly cheered me up. I needed it.

Earlier on this morning, I discovered my two poor little fish had died , frozen in their pond, their little bodies completely encapsulated in ice. I felt so dreadful, that I couldn't do more to prevent it, I had even built a sort of green house to try and thaw them out quicker, but on speaking to my mom, hers had died too. It's certainly been a cruel winter for some animals. Nature can be so harsh sometimes and this weekend it seems to be my poor animals who are suffering.

Still, the girls were in high spirits so it really lifted me, just being out in the garden with them and watching them take so much pleasure in the simplest things made me feel better.

Book worms?

2010-01-06T03:56:00.000-08:00

I am sure the hens have been reading my book again. In particular - Chapter 7 'Cosy coop' page 61. They refused to come out this morning for their breakfast, I was getting quite worried. Then as soon as I spread a carpet of warm shavings on the floor, they emerged immediately.

Little madams! I shall have to review their library.

A little visitor

2010-01-05T03:22:00.000-08:00

The girls had a little visiter to their coop this morning. The snow has been quite heavy here this morning and I had a hard job to tempt them out to eat their breakfast, but when I dished out warm milk and pasta they soon responded. The poor little robin was flying around like a mad thing and made a quick exit when I opened the door.

The snow even got inside some parts of the coop but I have since recyled some old shower curtains and covered their pen, so hopefully they can stay snug and warm.

Quite unlike myself who foolishly ventured out this morning and had to turn back from going to work, still I am sure I will use my time in a useful sort of way!

JOIE DE VIVRE!

2010-01-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

This is how I intend to face 2010! I could not resist posting this picture of Jupiter when he was a young and very happy cockerel. He had the sweetest personality and really seemed to enjoy life, especially when he had a triple wedding with his feisty chicks, Saturn, Mercury and Venus. The amazing thing was that despite his docile manner, he once fought off a stoat or weasel that had got into the coop.

I entered the enclosure when it was still dark and saw a carpet of feathers, a hen missing and the rest of them huddled in a corner. I had to wait for a while until it was light and made preparations to bury one of them. But as I went in to find the body, I could see all were still alive. I found the third hen huddled in a corner of the coop unharmed. It was then I realised that the feathers had come from Jupiter, mainly around his neck which was almost bald. I was so moved to think that this sweet creature had defended his brood and took a bashing for it.

I think this story shows how similar we are to our beautiful animals. Sometimes their life may seem more simple to ours, but I think fundamentally, we are all striving for the same thing - Health, happiness and Joie de Vivre!!

Hope that 2010 brings this to us all, including our feathered or four footed freinds!

Outside the chicken coop

2010-01-01T05:47:00.000-08:00

I had to start this blog with my delightful girls. I let them have a free range of the garden this morning while I did a few jobs, then I realised how quiet they were. This, as it is with many animals usually means they are doing something they shouldn't, but when I discovered them, I had to take it all back. They had made their way to the warmest, most dry area of the garden and were happliy taking a dust bath in the January sunshine. It was a delightful sight to see.

So now we start a new year inside the chicken coop - and out of it! I am using this opportunity to make you aware of my new blog which is a bit more general than this one. If you care to take a look the address is
http://working2write.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year everyone

A year inside the chicken coop

2009-12-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

I was going to end the year by pulling the plug on 'Inside the chicken coop'. This blog started as a fun experiment, to see if I could join the world of blogging and write something on a regular basis. I have gained so many useful tips from people and enjoyed capturing the girls getting up to all sort of mad things for an entire year inside their world. I have made contact with so many lovely fellow bloggers and it was all because of my beautiful little hens who continue to inspire me in my writing.

It is because of this I shall continue with inside the chicken coop. The girls will will be making an appearance during 2010 but it will never be as often as most of you fellow bloggers. I admire you all at how often you make the time to post wonderful, interesting and informative blogs which are a pleasure to read.

I only hope that I can achieve this with my new blog which I am launching tomorrow.

Until then, Happy New Year to you all and hope you enjoyed a year inside my chicken coop.

Di

All creatures great and small

2009-12-24T03:33:00.000-08:00

I couldn't believe my eyes earlier on to find this going on inside the chicken coop! How lovely of Father Christmas to deliver a present for the girls. It shows how he loves all animals too, however great and small.

Luckily he didn't see me. I crept up and took a photo whilst he was talking to my hens.

Believe . . . It's the one precious thing that will not cost you a penny this Christmas.

Wishing everyone a very magical Christmas

Breathing places

2009-12-06T01:41:00.000-08:00

This post has nothing to do with chickens, but it was so lovely, I had to share it with you all

One month to go!

2009-11-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

I reckon my girls must have the same enthusiasm for Christmas as me! I let them out in the garden for a run in the brief show of sunshine we had this afternoon, but within minutes they were peering into my summer house where I was pulling all the boxes of Christmas decorations out. It may have been the sound of the tinsel or the bells ringing but they were more interested in being there than pulling up worms.

I love this time of year when we start preparing for the magical season. But it's not just the preparation, it's when we all start to want to gather together and do nice things.

I always wonder why only Christmas seems to give us this sudden urge to have some goodwill to others. Some may think it's too early to start thinking about it, but in the spirit of the great Charles Dickens himself, I believe we should keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts all the time.

The Green Cow

2009-11-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

One Hundred Ways For A Chicken To Train Its Human has found yet another most suitable home.The Green Cow farm shop is opening on Saturday 14th November in Tasley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. www.thegreencow.co.uk/ It's a wonderful outlet for my little book and I was so excited when Sally, one of the owners contacted me with the idea of selling it at the shop.

This place is a must for any food lover. With an impressive range of fine foods from cheese to fish, from fresh vegetables to fresh meat, not forgetting the wonderful selection of pickles and other delicious things to tempt you. It also has a range of of gifts and a lovely cafe area, so would be an ideal place to visit on the build up to Christmas or any time of year.

Sally mentioned that they will be having all sorts of events such as food tasting, demonstrations and even the odd book signing! Fingers crossed that my little offering will go down well.

Wishing the Green Cow lots of luck on it's opening day and for the future.

It just proves that with determination, even during a recession, wonderful things can happen.

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

2009-11-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

Hopefully there is no Gunpowder or treason within the chicken coop - but there is certainly some plotting! I have wondered for ages how they get out of their run when my back is turned, and the other day I discovered their secret. They get on top of the arc which gives them height and then they fly over. How clever is that? I bet they are plotting all the time how best to get what they want!

Tonight, my little hens will be safely tucked up while all the madness of Bonfire night goes on. I hope all animals are safe tonight.

However, my girls will enjoy the cold ashes of my bonfire which I intend to light this weekend. They love to scratch around in the cool grey powder after a bonfire. Goodness knows what they find there, but they love it.

And while my little hens were sleeping - this was going on!

Have a fun and safe Bonfire night

Spooks in the coop and a writing potion spell

2009-10-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

"Boo! Did I scare you?"

"Don't think so, titch, you're are out numbered here, and you should see what is behind you."

"Who are you calling pumpkin head?"

"Where is the rest of you? I heard of a headless chicken, but is that all you can do?"

"Look at this!"

Happy Halloween to everyone - and now, to all you writers out there, try this this spell. I dare you!

Ye olde spell for successful writing!

Find some time, this is the most precious ingredient of all.
Transport yourself to a special place where you will not be disturbed.
Pour a good measure of imagination into a large cauldron
Add some very carefully chosen words.
Dollop some determination into the mix.
Let the creativity simmer, or even boil if you wish before returning to it and giving it a good stir.
Sprinkle with a little bit of good luck
Cast your fears aside.
Spread over a clean piece of paper, or a computer screen if you wish.
Continue with this spell until you are happy with the potion you have made and then send it off to an Editor!

Good luck !

Last of the Summer Wine - inside another chicken coop

2009-10-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Nora, Ivy, Pearl, Edie and Glenda are very lucky ladies! They have recently moved to a new home. Mike Taylor has recently rescued these five little ex battery hens and now their life is quite different to how they had been living in the past.

Mike prepared their new home well in advance and made a new coop out of a combination of a rabbit hutch, an old wardrobe and a chest of draws. His clever recycling has given these lovely ladies a cosy new home and he has even gathered old logs to make their run more interesting as they love to peck at the small insects that climb all over them.

Mike approached the Battery Hen Welfare Trust ( http://www.bhwt.org.uk/. ) They put him in touch with the local representative for his area and they arranged for delivery. Within a few weeks Nora, Ivy, Pearl, Edie and Glenda were settled in their new home.

"They arrive in a wide range of conditions" Mike said. "Some of them had very few feathers at all, but some were not too bad." But already Mike has seen an improvement as they grow healthy again and he is even getting a few eggs every day from them.

This one had very few feathers, but she seems doesn't seem to bothered as she explores her exciting new run

Mike is very handy with making things and he even rigged up a way of opening their coop in the morning while still enjoying his morning cuppa. He tied a ball of string to the door of the coop then ran the rest of the ball all the way to his house and tied it next to the window. This means on dark winter mornings he just opens the window, pulls the string, and the ladies can be free to roam for the day. Ingenious!

I was curious at how he had come up with their names, Mike is a massive fan of Last of the Summer Wine, so it was the obvious choice. Mike just saw his feisty little hens and immediately named them after the characters from the hit TV series. Nora is even playing up to her namesake by becoming the bossy one of the group. So the pecking order is well and truly established.

It's a wonderful feeling to think there are people like Mike who make the decision to take on these poor bedraggled little creatures. But with a bit of love and care, these ladies are now set to make a full recovery in their happy new home. I can't help wondering now if Compo, Foggy and Clegg may make an appearance at some time!

An extra hour in bed

2009-10-23T23:11:00.001-07:00

Tonight, Saturday 24th October, we put our clocks back to mark the end of British Summer time. And what a Summer it's been!

My four little hens have inspired me to write numerous blogs and get into the garden while they play. I have loved their company while mowing the grass or trying to dig the garden as they look for worms. They are always there, like four little puppies following me around.

That is the only draw back about the long winter nights as when I get home from work they have already taken themselves to bed. However, there are so many magical things to look forward to in the next few months, I am sure they are already preparing for Christmas inside the chicken coop.

As for the extra hour in bed , I shall spend mine writing and editing my next article.

Enjoy your extra hour - however you choose to spend it!

A cluck back into the past

2009-10-16T02:46:00.000-07:00

I took a magical step back in time yesterday when I paid a visit to Acton Scott farm museum. The animals completely make this place, and I was in heaven strolling around the stunning countryside watching all the creatures living side by side ( mostly in harmony ) except for the sheep that kept headbutting each other!

Acton Scott was used for the TV series 'Victorian Farm' and I got to meet 'Clumper' the wonderful horse who worked so hard during the programme, along with some Gloucester old spot and Tamworth piglets.

Below is the old shepherd hut.
This lovely chicken house was full of chicks, with the beautiful Acton Hall in the background, it was a stunning setting.

I Wonder if these chicks are establishing the pecking order already?

These lovely little birds were content to roam about next to the ducks and turkeys.

And this handsome chap kept appearing all over the farm. He was first seen outside the public conveniences!

Then he turned up in the hay barn, later to make his way to the gift shop!

It was crammed full of old farm machinery - an adventure playground for some chickens!

These two were playing tag, but it seemed a bit unfair to me as the size difference is quite obvious . The poor little thing, that huge brute chased it all over the patch.

The geese showed their annoyance as the humans invaded the threshing barn where they were just off to enjoy some corn for lunch. ( the geese that is)

But they went off in a very orderly fashion once they had finished eating, I suspect to terrify some more humans!

I couldn't mention the 'C' word to this one! No oil painting, but amazing to look at.

But when I wanted to sit down for my picnic, I felt like swearing at this lot who made no attempt to give up their seats!

Well worth a visit if you want to see animals living the good life.

www.actonscottmuseum.com

The Painting

2009-10-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

Over one hundred years ago, there lived a great painter. He painted pictures of Kings and Queens and beautiful landscapes, and his work was displayed all over the country.
One day he saw some hens scratching around for worms and decided to paint them. Unlike all the rich people that paid him to paint their portrait, the little hens lived a life of sadness, they hated the place where they lived, as they had no freedom to roam in the sunshine and dig for worms in the lush grass. He captured their image for ever in his painting as they struggled to find a morsel of food.
Because he was so famous, the painting was hung in all the famous art galleries and sold to wealthy art lovers for years, but everyone who owned it never knew that behind the painting, the little hens were so unhappy.
After several years, people's taste in art had changed, and the painting of the hens became less popular. It was soon discarded from the galleries and ended up in a boot sale where it was bought for a fraction of the price it was worth. The people who bought it, left it in an old coal house where it lay for the spiders to weave their webs around it, and just like the little hens - it was neglected once again.
Then one day, someone new moved into the house where the painting lay. The new occupants uncovered the painting and placed it outside in the garden, along with the rest of their belongings. When their back was turned something magical happened. The little hens came to life! They could see a beautiful garden and they could hear children laughing, and they wanted to be part of it!
Blodwyn, the bravest hen took a step forward. She escaped from the painting! At last she was on the other side!
Soon, the other hens followed her.
They found a lovely garden where they could play and dig for worms in the sunshine. At last they were happy and they were free.

The new owners came back to find the four little hens. They made them their own, never to return to their old life.

And the painting became just an empty frame to capture nature as it should be.

World Animal Day

2009-10-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

For all the Chickens in the world that don't have a life like this.

But perhaps, one day they could, thanks to people like this - www.bhwt.org.uk/

A mystical time of year

2009-10-01T10:46:00.001-07:00

I realise some people dread the end of Summer, but this really is a magical time. I try to see it more as regeneration. I like to believe it's the start of something new and productive, so I plan to spend my time writing and doing just that.

The trouble is, I think the girls are thinking the same thing, they seem to have adopted an interest in my writing magazine. I now wonder if they will be spending the dark winter months inside their chicken coop writing about me!

Time Team at the Chicken Coop

2009-09-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

After being out for a few hours the other day, I got home to find that my hens had exposed an entire dinner service inside their chicken coop! Well perhaps I am exaggerating a little, but it was amazing to see that in a few hours they had taken part in their own little dig to find a hoard of pottery that has been burried there for years.

Blodwyn seemed very proud of what looked like an old chamber pot

Over the years they have found quite a lot of stuff, none of it is treasure, but it's interesting to see what they discover. I often find bits and pieces when digging my veggie patch, part of my garden was an old railway which backed onto the quarry workers cottages, so as with many households of the nineteenth century, the rubbish was thrown into the garden and left for little hens to find years later! This is a small collection of their 'finds'

My own little time team seem eager to dig up the past. Blodwyn used careful excavation techniques to unearth this find. I think she would be a valuable member on any archaeological dig!

You never know what's inside or burried under the Chicken Coop! However I am still waiting for them to discover a treasure trove! Keep digging girls!

As Many As Will

2009-09-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

I made this little movie after listening to an excellent Folk CD by a band called 'As Many As Will'

I have the privilege of knowing one of the band members - Guy Nutting, who kindly gave me permission to use one of the tracks from their CD - 'A Bit On The Side'.

The track I have used fitted so well with my own happy little band of hens, who appear to celebrate life on every occasion when they are allowed to roam free and enjoy the garden.

The pictures and music capture their personalities - they could even be dancing in the first few images! Then they continue to display their lovely and unique characters whilst enjoying the end of Summer.

If you enjoyed the music as much as I did, you can get more information about 'As Many As Will' at www.myspace.com/asmanyaswill

A Dragon Inside The Chicken Coop

2009-08-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

As I did my usual check on the girls tonight, I thought there was a little wild bird inside the chicken coop. They didn't seem bothered by the fluttering of tiny wings hovering above their heads, as quite often small birds get inside their coop, yet soon escape.

As I entered the coop, I discovered that it was in fact a Dragonfly. It was trapped by a single thread of a spiders webb which was hanging from the roof. It continued to fly around in a mad frenzy, still attached to it's silken leash, despite only having one wing free.

I wanted to take a photograph to capture it's beauty, but my conscience took over. I could not let it suffer any longer, as I was not sure how long it had been there.

I felt quite emotional as I broke the tiny strand of web that confined it, opened the door and watched it fly off.

I was amazed that such a large creature could not break free from what looked like an almost invisible strand of Cotton, hanging from the roof of the pen.

The hens, quite unmoved by my actions - continued to tuck in to their supper.

'Nature never ceases to amaze me, and hope it will continue to do so'.

Di

Cock-a-hoop at Ashes win

2009-08-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. This is how my 'Barmy Army' celebrated England regaining the Ashes.

Fowl Football

2009-08-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

With the Football season kicking off, I have to take my role of managing the 'Magpie Rangers' very seriously. I started off their training by a few warm up exercises, but they were not very willing! When My main striker could not even get on the right side of the goal post, I became even more concerned with how this season would turn out.

But then at least my Goalkeeper seemed to appreciate her role.

Things started to pick up when my main Striker came back on the penalty shootout practice, but then the Goalkeeper roamed off.

She came back, but this looks like a foul to me, she was more interested in the pecking order than saving the ball.

Then the whole team got confused and went into a scrum, thinking they were playing Rugby!

During half time I gave them a talking to, they came back much sharper and focused on the game ahead. I did threaten that they would have to go without corn for the whole season if they did not improve.

And as for my Goalie - what a save! I think they may be in the premier league very soon!

Arty Chickens

2009-08-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

You only have to browse some of the country and even city gift shops to see what a popular subject the chicken is in the art world. Paintings, gift cards, ceramics, jewelry and toys are inspired by our feathered friends. Their unique and humorous characters are always portrayed in the massive array of merchandise on offer, and never fail to bring a smile to the chicken lover. I started off by playing around with my camera's special effects and was amazed at the different ways I could capture my beautiful little hens - Blodwyn, Braith, Bethan and Bronwen.

I wonder what the great Claude Monet would think of my impression of Blodwyn in the meadow?

Blodwyn in the meadow

Then I turned Blodwyn into an Andy Wharhol type image

Blodwyn

Could this be a Tate Gallery possibility?

Bethan -section image

Then the nostalgic sepia effect

Bronwyn

And the old black and white - which is most appropriate for my girls as they are called Magpie rangers and their colouring is black and white.

Braith

After the photos, I had to dig this one out. An original 'doodle' by Phylis Blakemore - member of Wrekin Writers and most importantly - my mom! She doodled this cute little cockerel when we were on holiday in Scotland. I treasure it, as she not only created a little character - she gave a little bit away about her self.

Cockerel doodle - Phylis Blakemore

This is an original creation by a young lady I met through my work called Mel Addison. She agreed to paint my lovely cockerel Jupiter in exchange for a copy of my book. You only have to go to the beginning of my blog to see how well she captured him. As he is no longer with us, I feel she immortalised him in this magical picture.

Jupiter - Melanie Addison

This lovely picture was painted by Susan White who is married to our very own Mike White of Wrekin Writers. The subject was a cute little cockerel who we met on our annual writer's retreat last year, near Aberdovey. Susan is very talented and captured this little character so well. We all got to feed him as he was very tame. She created this gorgeous little painting within a few hours, as she does with many of her paintings. I was so thrilled when she gave it to me and he proudly adorns my kitchen wall, along with an entire collection of arty chickens!

Picture of a cockerel - Susan White 2008

I make no apologies for the shameful plug on this one. The little brown hen on this book cover has helped to sell my book 'One Hundred Ways for A Chicken To Train Its Human'. She and all the other chickens I have been blogging about are a constant source of inspiration to me and will continue to be in the future.

Inside a different chicken coop

2009-07-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Summer Holidays

2009-07-14T02:50:00.001-07:00

'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!

Anyone for Tennis?

2009-06-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Yipee - It's Wimble'd -Hen!

'I think I'll just check the net before we start the game, don't want any 'fowl' play in this championship.'

'That ball was in! Chalk dust - everyone could see there was chalk dust! Right where is the Umpire?'

'You cannot be serious! Did you have your eyes closed? That ball was in!

'And just how many ball girls do you need?'

'Oh no it's raining again! Typical of the English weather - I'm off.'

'Where's she gone? I can't win this championship on my own. '

'Where do you think? When there are strawberries and cream on offer inside the chicken coop, why on earth would I want to run about a court for hours chasing an odd shaped egg?'

'That girl has has no willpower, and that cream will go straight to her hips. You have to be in it to win it. I think I will spend the time polishing my trophy! It's great for my bingo wings!!

I declare myself the winner, so that makes me the 'Great Brit-Hen' champion of this major tennis tournament for this year - watch out Andy Murray!

A friend like Ben

2009-06-26T04:07:00.000-07:00

I could not let today pass by without paying tribute to Michael Jackson who died yesterday. It was such a shock to learn of his death and I admit to weeping when a clip was shown of him singing 'Ben'. It was from the film about a boy who befriends a rat, only he could touch the hearts of people by singing about a creature that most people despise.

I went up to see the girls and sat for a minute inside the coop. It was all so still, then suddenly my own resident rodent appeared. I usually scream and run from the site when I see a rat but today I saw him in a different light.

It's not ideal to have rodents near by, but when you have chickens, it's the norm and I realise I will have to do something about it, but today that little rat touched my heart and it was all because of a legendary pop icon. His memory and his music will live on.

Summer Solstice

2009-06-21T04:23:00.000-07:00

Who needs Stonehenge when there is an equally magical stone circle inside the chicken coop?

This morning thousands of people flocked to Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice. The girls were up at the crack of dawn too ready to see the sunrise on this magical day.

This astronomical event occurs twice a year when the earth's axis is inclined towards or away from the sun. This is considered to be the beginning of summer, and in medieval times, healers would gather herbs and plants considering them to have miraculous healing powers.

I think Braith is just happy she has longer to scratch around for grubs and worms.

But Branwen got into the celebration of the sun and went totally bonkers!

Elizabethans believed that this was a time when all sorts of magical things happen and an old tale states that if a maiden sets a table with a white cloth, placed bread, cheese and beer upon it, then the man she was to marry would join her for supper either in person or his ghost.

It appears some were less superstitious - Branwen got stuck in on her own and within a few seconds started to demolish the bread without even waiting to see who turned up to join her!

I think she even drank the beer!

Of course our most famous Elizabethan - William Shakespeare brought the celebration to life with his play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Could this be Titania , queen of fairies sat under my maple tree? And are those her little attendants, Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth? But where is Mustardseed?

There she is - showing off again.

On a magical day like this - nothing is impossible and sometimes fairy tales come true.

Happy Summer Solstice - enjoy the day.

Meet the ancestors

2009-06-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

I wonder if Blodwyn realises, she may have just met one of her distant ancestors.

Scientists are finding constant links that our modern day chicken could be related to the incredible dinosaurs that enjoyed a 'free range' of our world over 100 million years ago.

The terrifying Velociraptor, made famous by the film 'Jurassic Park' was believed to have a fine covering of feathers and possibly not much bigger than a turkey. The picture of Branwen indeed shows a more ferocious side to our feathered friends.

If she was any larger, I think she would certainly be a match for any Velociraptor!

Feet are a great clue to their past. These pair belong to Branwen. Note the sharp claws at the end and scaly skin. Not unlike the Archaeopteryx below - one of the first fossilized birds.

Then there is the Gallimimus which is closely related to the ostrich. Part of the Ornithomimids group and very similar to our ground living birds with a lightly built skeleton, long neck, compact body, small skull and beak.

Note how long my hens necks appear on this photograph and quite similar in structure to the ancient Ornithomimids.

That's the science bit - now for something eggstra!

Dinosaurs laid eggs to hatch their young - just like my girls - I am a little concerned about what is hatching inside the chicken coop though.

Could this be the start of something new? There are dinosaurs all over the place.

Blodwyn is not too happy about sharing the coop with a stegosaurus.

That may be that he is not such a close cousin as the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. At least she has the upper hand now, as after 100 million years, she is a lot larger, so he is no competition for her.

The Dinosaurs may be extinct, but some of their characteristics live on in our feathered friends. Watch out for that broody hen or the ferocious cockerel next time you go inside the chicken coop.

Birds of a feather flock together

2009-06-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

'Birds of a feather flock together' - but this little thrush was not too keen to join the hen party!

The perfect pet

2009-05-27T04:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Communal Bathing

2009-05-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Blodwyn - The shining flower

2009-05-10T05:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Chucks and Books at Attingham

2009-05-04T01:42:00.000-07:00

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.

http://shop.nationaltrust.org.uk/products/one-hundred-ways-for-a-chicken-to-train-its-human/224/

Brit-Hens got talent

2009-04-19T02:37:00.000-07:00

The Poet

'I wandered lonely as a cloud . . . I'll skip on the daffodils - they don't taste as good as worms'.

The Ballet Dancer

'Such poise - such grace - I'm as light as a feather'

The Disco Dancer

'The 'Birdie Song' is my favourite - I'm such a funky chicken!'

The Contortionist

'If you're flexible - flaunt it!'

The Circus Act

'Ive got the balance - I just need to work on the height now'

The most intelligent hen in the world

'I can read. This book is great, well worth buying'

Easter Magic

2009-04-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

'Phew, I'm shattered! That's been a very busy Easter. I need a rest now'

'Excuse me! We do all the hard work! We lay those eggs every day so that you can deliver them and YOU get all the praise!'

'Yes, but I'm magical. In my role as the 'Easter Bunny', I only have Easter time to get those eggs out and delivered. I'm just like Father Christmas - I work on a very tight schedule and I'm under a great deal of stress'.

'Boring' - You're away with the faires'

Look at this!

'As well as being a mean, lean , laying machine - I can make my head dissapear - any time - any where - any place. Now that's magic!

'OK, yeah that's pretty cool. You're one magical chick. I'm going to chill out now and leave it until next year before I enter any more competition.

The Eggs Factor

2009-04-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

I think my girls must have the 'Eggs Factor'. They have been so productive the last few weeks by laying eggs every day for me. I decided to do something a bit different with them.

I made a hole in the egg with a large needle in the top and the bottom and blew the egg so I was left with an empty shell.

I secured a rubber band onto a piece of matchstick, then put it into the egg and started to decorate them.

For this one I wrapped rubber bands around it then soaked it in strong cold tea for a day.

For these two, I used stickers before soaking them

And the natural look with a few stars

But then I got a bit carried away and tried to re-create Noah's Ark!

Finally, I ran out of eggs - which is probably a good thing as the animals were getting too large to fit !

Happy Easter

A little help from my friends

2009-04-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

This little book has now sold over 10,000 copies thanks to people like this . . . .

And this . . . .

On Saturday 4th April I attended an event at the Book Knook in Newport Shropshire along with other Shropshire writers. It was a lovely morning and the book shop is well worth a visit if you are ever in Newport.

Simon Whaley ( pictured above) who has written many books on a huge variety of subjects from walking to banking - and loads in between - also attended the event and gave me lots of inspiration to further my writing opportunities. We are both members of Wrekin Writers group (see http://www.wrekinwriters.co.uk/). I get so much help and motivation from this group.

Of course I cannot forget my feathered friends who have been the constant source of my inspiration, and will be in the future.

Branwen - looking very thoughtful

Mother Hen

2009-03-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

The early bird catches the worm . . . but sometimes it's nice to get a helping hand.

For some, Mothers day is about getting dressed up and going out for lunch. My Mom seemed quite happy to play Mother Hen and dig up a few worms for the girls!

Coming soon at a chicken house near you . . .

2009-03-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

This could be the answer to the new Fly Mow!

Chicken - The Movie

2009-03-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

To be continued ....

Spring Chicken

2009-03-02T01:30:00.001-08:00

'Yipee - spring is just around the corner.'

'I know, I feel like a spring chicken - look at this for a stretch!'

'Come on girls, we all need to get fit for Easter. All together now, and hold it right there for the count of ten.'

'This excercise regime is exhausting, we need a tea break.'

'Get your beak out! This is my cuppa!'

'Ok girls, let's get back to it. No slacking. We have tough competition this year, we have to get really fit. I heard the other day that the Easter bunny is in town.'

'Where is he? Could he be over there?'

'Or perhaps, he's out there?'

'Listen girls, don't panic. No Easter Bunny is gonna ruffle my feathers. Bring it on Flopsy, I'm waiting for you.'

Battery Hen Welfare Trust

2009-02-17T02:44:00.000-08:00

It just goes to show what happens when you give a hen the free range - they end up taking over my blog! I am sure they will make another appearance in the future as they are always clucking over something and like to share their opinions.

Exciting news with 'One Hundred Ways for a Chicken to Train its Human'. In January this year the Battery Hen Welfare Trust contacted me. They have included my book in their supporter packs.

They are a wonderful charity and work so hard to getting a better future for the millions of battery hens. They run a brilliant adoption scheme and so far have re-homed 123,550 hens into new and loving homes. Their website is great and well worth looking at, especially if you are thinking of keeping a few hens. http://www.bhwt.org.uk/

I will certainly be supporting them in the future, I love the idea of giving an ex battery hen a home, but have to be careful with my existing clan. Hens can be aggressive with new stock so I will have to introduce them gradually. In the meantime I shall be preparing a separate run so they will be able to see each other through the fence and get aquainted. Fingers crossed there will not be any 'fowl play'.

Di

The Snow hen

2009-02-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

What's all this white stuff in our coop? My feet are cold. She obviously didn't put enough bedding down for us last night.

Don't know, but at least it hasn't

got to our breakfast.

Hello, who are you? Is that one of my tail feathers? Mmm that carrot looks tasty.

Although, I think there is something more interesting just here.

We're off, there's too much snow around here.

Hmph who ruffled their feathers? Such light weights, a bit of cold weather and they can't cope. Never mind with more snow forecast, this time tomorrow I'll be twice the size I am today! I'll show them who rules the roost then.

Inside the chicken coop

2009-01-26T02:39:00.000-08:00

When I started keeping chickens over 7 years ago, I never realised that my special brood would one day inspire me to write a book, sending me on a fascinating journey into the world of meeting editors and seeing my book for sale in Waterstones.

It's a well known saying that you should"write about what you know". Back then I knew nothing about keeping chickens and I certainly could not imagaine writing about them, but as my hobby grew, then so did my knowledge.

By developing a special bond with my feathered friends, I noticed how unique and individual they were. I soon became aware that I was adhering to their rules, such as letting them stay out longer if they did not want to go inside the coop at night, and constantly filling up their feed hopper every time they knocked it over.

In March 2007 'One Hundred Ways for a Chicken to Train its Human' was published by Hodder and Stoughton. I dedicated the book to Jupiter, my beautiful cockerel and to Mercury, Saturn and Venus, my sweet little hens, who without their amusing personalities, none of it would have been possible.

It just goes to show that any hobby or interest can be turned into something quite magical if you allow your imagination and creativity to have a free range.

A gift from the Gods

Jupiter

Jupiter came to me first. A stunning 'Buff Sussex' cockerel. He was a huge bird, beautiful and very sweet natured. Within days of homing him I felt that he should not live his life alone. I decided to buy three little hens to give him some company.

Jupiter with the new girls

Mercury, Venus and Saturn were introduced to him on a beautiful day in Spring and love certainly blossomed - in fact he went bonkers. He did what resembled the Michael Jackson moon walk when I released them into the run.

He was so happy and soon adopted Mercury as his favourite, although he was such an amorous bird, he certainly did not leave Venus and Saturn out of the love nest.

Mercury

Home Eggonomics

Within just a few weeks the girls were laying eggs. It was an incredible feeling to open the hatch and see freshly layed eggs nestling in the straw. I soon had an egg mountain, so after weeks of eating omlettes and boiled eggs with soldiers, I had to start giving them away. But it paid off, I started a swap shop by exchaning my eggs for another item that was of use to me. So far I have managed to swap the following for half a dozen eggs:-

Bottle of wine
Bag of apples
Rhubarb
A fire guard
Greens for the hens
Old News papers for burning
Bag of Damsons
Donation for a raffle prize (At Wrekin Writers)

So if you want some eggs - make me an offer!

Cock of the hoop

As part of Wrekin Writers, I get a great deal of inspiration and help from other members of the group. Simon Whaley, member and friend was having enormous success with his book ' One Hundred Ways for a Dog to to Train its Human' Published by Hodder and Stoughton. He sent me an email one day suggesting that I write something similar regarding chickens. After the initial shock of wondering if I could pull it off, I started to jot down a few ideas.

In November 2005 I sent an initial enquiry to Hodder and Stoughton. To my amazement, they replied and said they would be interested. In January 2006 they accepted my manuscript. I was invited down to London to meet the editor and we went out to lunch, it was an incredible but nerve racking experience. My book 'One Hundred Ways for a Chicken to Train its Human' was published in March 2007.

I was paid a small advance for publication of the book, half of which went on a brand new chicken run, complete with secure area and nest box. This meant that I no longer had to chase them around the run at dusk, they could go to bed when they wanted and get up in the morning when they chose.

I like to think they were happy, they certainly made the most of their posh new 'des res', whilst still roaming free on sunny days. Jupiter only died last year at the grand age of eight.

The book is dedicated to them. They inspired me to put pen to paper and on every single page, their funny little ways are captured in print forever.

The first 6 copies of my book

New Brood - New chapter

Blodwyn

I now have a new brood. Blodwyn, Braith, Bethan and Branwen are fantastic pets too. They are very different to the previous ones - bigger and bolder but still very unique. They are developing their own characters and ensuring once again that I adhere to their pecking order.

They love to sunbathe with me and are already taking advantage of their right to roam - usually taking it a step further by flying over the fence to the neighbours vegetable patch.

They are a constant source of amusement and inspiration to me and I now look forward to the next chapter of life inside the chicken coop.

Pictures S Whaley/D Perry