I am now the proud owner of chickens. I bought them from a livestock auction in York three weeks ago - two 22 week old warrens (hybrids), and three 12 week old pure breed Cuckoo Marans. Unfortunately we lost one of the Marans eight days ago. It was very sad, but she obviously wasn't right.

My Dad came over that day and took us to the Rare Breeds auction, where he persuaded me that I NEEDED two black Silkies. They are pure comedy value!