Calling all local poultry keepers… seven handsome “cockies” are determined to make their tuneful call at daybreak every morning at Ivington Mill where Ian and Sue Thomas keep a flock of rare breed layers.
“The problem is we took over The Mill just over a year ago with a chicken shed full of beautiful birds. Some hens sat on their eggs and hatched out clutches last summer and most of the baby chickens turned out to be boys,” said Ian, a self-employed electrical contractor.
Unfortunately these magnificent brightly coloured birds do not lay eggs and Ian and Susan are looking for good homes for their spare boys!
“We know they are rare breeds and one is a rather splendid game cock type and the others are Marans, Light Sussex and Rhode Island Red. They are strong and healthy young birds and only just in their full plumage. We want them to go to anyone who needs a handsome chap to look after a few little wives,” added Ian.
He needs the cockerels current housing for his expanding electrical business and the birds are in “temporary accommodation” in a stable at the neighbouring farm.
“We already have our own mature stock bird and a bantam cockerel. They are good alarm clocks and we don’t really need seven more,” laughed Susan.
Ian said: “It’s a case of too many cocks spoiling the broth but we’re not mentioning broth in front of the boys!”
lAnyone interested can call Ian and Sue on 07711 703902.
