When I moved to Devon in 1995, I envisaged the good life – eggs for breakfast, laid by chickens roaming free in the garden, and homegrown veg. As soon as I’d settled into my new home, I trawled the countryside looking for hens to adopt, specifically ex-battery hens.
I stumbled across a farm, knocked on the door, and asked if I could please have some chickens. The farmer was most accommodating, explaining that his flock was due to go to slaughter in a few weeks and if I went along I could have some.
I ended up taking 30 girls home with me and named one Vicky. She looked like a penguin, bolt upright and bald. She was bullied by the others, but I didn’t know why they were picking on her.
I’ve since learnt that it was because she wasn’t in very good health. I built a special bond with Vicky. Within hours, she’d figured out that if she waddled over to me, I’d keep her safe. When I spoke to her, she chatted back. She started coming into the kitchen, parking herself up while I was ironing.
Denne historien er fra October 15, 2019-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 15, 2019-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest