Pet portraits
Investigation Officer Rachel Hunter tells us about her peep of chickens
Rachel and John
Breasty
Eggsmerelda
Nancy
Tell us about yourselves! What are your names and who is your owner?
We are Nancy, Lemon, Rosemary, Thyme, Eggsmerelda, Beaky and Breasty (the latter two were named by one of Rachel's friends – don’t judge us!). Nancy looks a little different from the rest of us as she is white and fluffy and is a 'silkie'. Lemon, Rosemary and Thyme are small, brown and speckled. Eggsmerelda is the black one, Beaky is the tall, grey speckled one and Breasty is the tall, grey one.
Collectively, we are known as ‘the Girls’. Sometimes ‘the Rabble!’. Our humans are Rachel and John. Rachel is an Investigation Officer in the Assessment and Early Resolution team , and John works in marketing for an electronics company.
Where do you like to explore?
There’s been a bird flu epidemic, so, we’ve been in flockdown since we arrived at Rachel and John's. We have a nice big coop, comfy roosting box, and lots of space in our run though. Although flockdown was lifted on 18 April, we’ve not been allowed out to destroy/explore the garden! Our humans are having work done and have said that it’s not yet safe for us to go out and about.
Any unusual eating habits?
We’ll give anything a try! We love red peppers, cucumber, and corn. But our favourite treat is the big stalks of brussels sprouts. A lot of people don’t know we’re omnivores, too. Some chickens (although not us) have even been known to eat mice and frogs.
Is there anything you’d like to tell us about yourselves?
Some of us stop laying eggs during the winter. However, Breasty, Beaky and Eggsy, who are more commercial breeds (and who came from the local farm shop) lay all year round. This is because they are the types of chicken whose eggs would be found in the supermarkets, and, through selective breeding, are able to lay eggs all year.
Also, we lay eggs regardless of whether or not our eggs have been fertilised. There isn’t a cockerel living with us, so none of us lay eggs that can hatch into chicks. Some chickens get broody, and really want the eggs to hatch, so will sit on them for days and days. Chickens are brilliant mothers.
We are also, along with all other chickens, very playful, and love to sunbathe, too! If you see a pile of chickens looking dishevelled in the dirt, don’t panic. They like to dustbathe to keep their feathers and skin in good condition, then have a snooze in the sun!
Meet Rachel
The story behind getting the girls
We used to keep rescue chickens years ago. Chickens can live for up to 10 years, but are considered ‘not commercially viable’ between 18 months to two years old. They’re often sent to slaughter after this time, but a few charities, like the British Hen Welfare Trust, buy them for about £2 each and rehome them so they can have a happy retirement.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a pet owner?
Chickens are extremely rewarding. They’re hilarious and make lovely squeaking noises when they’re happy. The fresh eggs are good, too!
However, when they get sick it can be quite worrying. It’s often hard to know what’s wrong, as the symptoms are the same for everything! Sometimes, even the vets don’t know.
If I could give any advice to other or wannabe chicken owners, I would say…
Get a plastic coop and automatic door opener so you don’t have to get up at 05.00 every morning throughout the summer! Chickens rise with the sun and take themselves to bed when it starts getting dark.
With a plastic coop, you can jet wash it, making it really easy to clean. Chickens take very little looking after, just a big clean out once a week and fresh water every couple of days. A 25kg bag of feed usually lasts our lot about a month, and they’re kept topped up with tasty treats from the garden, too.
Beaky
Thyme
Lemon
Rosemary