Sunbathing with... the chooks!

[Ian]

Some of you may be aware that we adopted four ex-battery (intensive egg production farm) hens a couple of months ago. They are utterly charming, usually quite stupid, but sometimes remarkably clever. Then my daughter Elizabeth, desperate to soak up some of that rare commodity this summer, does this. Of course it didn't last long









Ex-batts - thoroughly recommended. At the Nikon launch yesterday I found out that another journo has started keeping them and one other has been for several years.

Ian

[Pol]

Re: Sunbathing with... the chooks!

Aaaaah. It's lovely to see them free to explore and enjoy life like any other family pet. I especially like the first shot.

Do they respond to their names or is that expecting a bit too much of them yet?

Pol

[Ian]

Re: Sunbathing with... the chooks!

They have excellent eyesight and hearing. As soon as the patio doors move (or even as you approach to open then (from the inside) they are tracking you and as you emerge they start falling over themselves and rush over (and if they are in their penned-off run, squash in to the netting ). I don't think names get a look in. They all respond immediately to your presence.

Later on, once they have relaxed and realise you don't have any food (or it's all gone!), they do wander around in a calm manner, but make almost any noise and their little heads snap to attention!

Ian

[coupekid]

Re: Sunbathing with... the chooks!

great series of shots Ian!

Love the one with Elizabeth concentrating with her tongue out, it always makes me laugh when Elise does that!

[Pol]

Re: Sunbathing with... the chooks!

They have excellent eyesight and hearing. As soon as the patio doors move (or even as you approach to open then (from the inside) they are tracking you and as you emerge they start falling over themselves and rush over (and if they are in their penned-off run, squash in to the netting ). I don't think names get a look in. They all respond immediately to your presence.

Later on, once they have relaxed and realise you don't have any food (or it's all gone!), they do wander around in a calm manner, but make almost any noise and their little heads snap to attention!

Ian

Aww that's lovely to hear, bless them.

As it's clear how aware they are of their surroundings it really makes you realise how much they must be suffering in the battery farms.

But they're free, happy and part of an appreciative, caring and loving family now so that's brilliant!

Enjoy the eggs.

Pol

[Ian]

Re: Sunbathing with... the chooks!

I actually missed this last shot



She was up and out of there pretty shortly after that was taken!

Ian

[Ian]

[mib2]

Re: Sunbathing with... the chooks!

Great set of pics

They would look good on a plate with veg too - especially on a Sunday hehehe - only kidding.

Dave R

[Pops]

Re: Sunbathing with... the chooks!

Lovely shots and not without humour. Must be great having them roaming free.

[Ian]

Re: Sunbathing with... the chooks!

Lovely shots and not without humour. Must be great having them roaming free.

The do dig up the borders and Julia's aquilegias were almost decimated! But they are very entertaining and so we put up with their more destructive aspects

Ian