Sunday afternoon I went to a poultry show. A whole world opened up - one I never previously knew existed. A world of passion, pride and love…
Above: the Welsummer originally came from Holland and is named after the village of Welsum. The head has a single comb, almond-shaped ear lobes and a short beak. Friendly birds but inclined to go broody in the late Spring.
Above: Buff Orpingtons have existed as a breed for about a hundred years. Greedy birds which need lots of exercise (and like to be free range). Lay small pinkish eggs.
Above: Despite the German-sounding name Hamburgs originated in Holland about three hundred years ago. A lot of work has been done by British breeders to develop the fine birds we see today. These are the chickens that feature in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles (and Roman Polanski’s Tess - one of the Films That Changed My Life).
Above: the eggs were laid out on trestle tables along the centre of the marquee - I like the way that the farmers’ wives have brought along their best floral tablecloths.
Above: did you know ducks mate for life?
Above: Sussex Bantams are smaller versions of the Sussex breed. Medium tail feathers, red eyes and featherless yellow legs (four toes). They have an affectionate and placid nature and don’t mind coping with bad weather.
Above: Gold Laced Orpington are very beautiful birds. Comparatively rare in the United Kingdom (the breed originated in Germany). They have gentle personalities and lay about a hundred and ninety tinted eggs a year.
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