I Was Smitten

Julie Moore explains how she developed a special relationship with one of her hens.

- Julie Moore

Mignon came into my life quite by accident. I first met her on one of my cockerel swapping escapades with my friendly neighbour, Daniel. 

After setting down my cockerel, Daniel pointed out my ‘swap’ —a naked neck pullet. Surveying his melange of chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits, Daniel suddenly sprung into action (no mean feat for someone who has an undeniable liking for duck confit), making for a scrawny black bantam hen. Squawking and protesting profusely at being caught in such a manner, the hen was thrust into my arms. There was an immediate transformation: I could feel her body relax as she snuggled herself into my chest. I was smitten by this scruffy little hen!

Putting her down, I agreed to return the following morning. I spent the night wondering whether I would offend Daniel if I asked whether I could take the bantam instead of the pullet he’d earmarked for me.