We Grow Our OwnThe trials and successes of life on our allotment

We adopted four ex-battery chickens – Edith, Gladys, Hattie and Mabel – yesterday from those wonderful people at The British Hen Welfare Trust.

We arrived at the collection point early, but by opening time there was a massive queue of cars behind us. It was heartening to see that there are so many people wanting to give ex-batts a second life.

When we got them home they all congregated in one corner, obviously frightened and disorientated, but after a short while their curiosity got the better of them.

They left their grit and food alone, and decided to peck away at the grass in their run. I don’t mind admitting to a tear in my eye when I saw how happy they were having grass under their feet.

I was then severely told off by them when I put them to bed at about 8.30pm, and there was lots of squawking as they jostled for position in the coop!