It was lovely and warm last Sunday when we welcomed a couple who were new to keeping chickens. They had the coop and all the food etc - they just needed the hens.

We talked them through the different breeds and also gave them lots of tips in keeping hens. More importantly we gave them a chicken to hold. It is surprising how daunting it can feel if you have never held a chicken before - they have large wings that flap! They soon got used to it and it is just the case of building up confidence.

They took 4 hens, 4 different breeds so they can tell the difference - Goldline, Amber Link, Beechwood Blue and Sussex Ranger.

We e mailed them in the week to see how they were doing and got a lovely response back - hens settled in nicely and they are just waiting for their first egg!

We are more than happy to advise first time hen keepers - I remember my first time buying some hens which nearly turned into a disaster. I was handed a chicken to put in the carrying box - my first time at holding a hen -of course it flapped its wings and I let go! The people selling the hens were none too amused and I felt very embarrassed as they chased it round the yard!

We promise we won't shout!!