The new girls

New to me that is. They are commercial layers 'retired' after a year or so, and rescued by the wonderful British Hen Welfare Trust which makes them available for people to adopt. They collect up to 60,000 of these dull plain brown hens every year and distribute them to collection centres. So long as you pass their vetting process (which is minimal) and undertake to give them suitable homes, your birds will be handed over to you at the appointed time and place. You don't get a choice but they all look much the same.

I'll be keeping them in this shed for a while to let them get used to their new surroundings, to get to know to each other and to establish a pecking order.  One of the things hens like best is fresh grass so I've given them some to snack at along with the usual corn and mash. It will be a while before they meet the residents but sooner than  that they will have an even bigger surprise. A toy boy is on the way!