At ten o’clock this morning I arrived at Jackie’s house with my dog crate to take Shadow back to Willow Court Farm in Windsor for them to take a look and give their verdict on whether Shadow is a hen or a cockerel.
Jackie had Shadow in the separate part of the run and we put the open dog crate up against the door while Jackie guided her in.
We set off and Shadow was as good as gold on the journey. On arrival I took a photo of Shadow just in case we had to leave “him” behind.
Shadow in the dog crate
The farmers were so lovely, helpful and friendly. One of them picked Shadow up while they both did an examination. They both agreed that Shadow was a hen. One said he would bet his weeks wages on Shadow being a hen.
We were so pleased as it meant that Jackie could take her home again. The farmer said that hens vary and some do just have big feet and some lose the feathers on their feet while others keep them. They said it is the shape of the feathers that they look at and they were certain that Shadow was a hen.
We took Shadow back home but agreed that we were glad we had taken her to the farm. Jackie said it gave her peace of mind whereas she would have been constantly watching, waiting and wondering.
Shadow seemed happy to rejoin her flock mates.
Shadow and Clover
Head hen Clover
Bluebell, Shadow and Bonnie head toward their tyre
Shadow and Bluebell on the tyre and Bonnie in the foreground
We went indoors to sit and chat a while when Clover and Bonnie decided they would quite like to join us.
Can we come in please?
I have wiped my feet
Okay, we will go then
Jackie and I then went to her allotment and she gave me some chard for my girls as a thank you. We agreed that we had had a lovely morning and that we were both so happy that Shadow was back home again none the worse for her little trip out. Hurrah for Shadow!
Click here to see the history of my flock.
Oh that is lovely ,especially the last bit .
The lovely Shadow looked like she was doomed in that dog crate .
All we need now is proof 🙂
I agree. The first egg is going to get a big Hurrah!! We will know for sure then.
YEA. That IS good news.
Yes, we have both been down the “it is a cockerel route” so we know how it feels. It’s never certain until the first egg but these guys are the experts and they were all in agreement.
It’s nice for something like this to have a happy ending for a change!
It is, although Jackie still says she would like an egg as proof. The farmers are the experts though so hopefully they are correct.
I want an egg. …. Freeloaders .
I know how you feel. Dotty didn’t lay her first egg until three months later than the other big girls. I am sure they will get started soon.