Pear Tree Cottage Garden: Chicken Changes

The green and rolling countryside of Worcestershire, England, is home to the cider apple orchards which surround the gardens of Pear Tree Cottage. They enjoy a sunny south westerly aspect with sweeping views across to Martley Hillside, Woodbury and Abberley clock tower. The Teme Valley lies just over the hill and, not far away, is the Herefordshire border. Although our climate is temperate, our seasons are often uncertain and always a challenge to a gardener! This began in 2010 & follows the weekly ups and downs of garden work chronicling both successes and failures but, above all, demonstrates the fun enjoyed by three people who regularly garden in all weathers

29 June 2014

Chicken Changes - A Flock of Five

Henny Penny

Fiona Fenton

Sadly we lost a couple of chickens (due to illness) and so have increased our flock by 3 sixteen week old girls. Why 3? Safety in numbers! We knew 2 remaining residents would show their darker sides and they have lived up to expectations! Their thuggish and vindictive behaviour to the new youngsters was serious enough for them to be separated by some chestnut palings for a few days. That way, they could look at each other and become a little accustomed before being put in together. They have had 6 days acclimatisation and have been allowed to mingle today. Hopefully, there will be no nonsense at roosting time! All are hybrids and Henny Penny is a Copper Maran, Fiona a Fenton and Cicely is a White Sussex. The remaining villians are Marigold and Winifred.