Jasper is a Welsummer, which is a light-weight breed. She is very pretty, and is curious, active and gentle. She is the only hen that has been picked on. For some reason, the other girls like to pluck out the feathers at the base of her tail. I’ve tried all sorts of remedies, but to no avail, and although it makes her look scrawny, it doesn’t seem to bother her. Jasper tolerates the feather-picking and no blood is drawn. Her eggs are dark brown. She is a very nice hen to have around.

Pearl is a Cochin with blue-grey feathers. Cochins have masses of soft feathers all the way down to their toes. This makes them very pretty, but also high maintenance. They suffer in the heat, and when it is cold, get mud and snow stuck to their feet. Cochins are heavy-bodies birds, so waddle more than run. Pearl is a sweet, mellow bird.