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.

Welcome to young Barney

Enter Barney, a fine looking Silver-laced Wyandotte cockerel, around 10 months old.

He's a Swansea boy - or Gower at least - and quite tame. he let the children of his previous owners pick him up and bring him to me to put in a box.

And by getting him from all of 60 miles away we stand a good chance of making sure he's not related to any of the Silver-laced Wyandotte hens we're planning to get locally, should we decide to breed them.

He was free to a good home and went straight in with the hens. He was a bit cautious at first, as were they, but he soon decided to show them who was boss and few pecks and chases around the hen pen put that straight. One of the Marans actually pecked back but quickly gave her ground.

He's not started mating yet - I think he may be too young still and as they're not laying there's a fair bit of naivety all round. But he's a fine looking bird and well mannered so I'm sure the hens will be charmed by him soon enough.