New pullets from New Forest

I've tried sourcing Silver-laced Wyandotte hens around South Wales and failed to find any at a reasonable price.

It emerged fewer were bred this year, a couple of breeders telling me people were switching from large fowl to bantams in response to rising corn prices because they were cheaper to feed.

But demand for the large fowl birds was higher than expected and so "the few" were snapped up quickly.

As a result, I've had to drive more than 100 miles to the New Forest to get a couple of pullets - I reckon about 15 weeks old - for £13 each.

He left the birds in a cage on his doorstep - I put the money through the letterbox. Nice way to do business. Must visit the New Forest again too.