Cassandra Gardiner returns with this week’s offering. Guest opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication. Ed
Chicken fever has sprung. Having hatched four eggs, nurturing the little, dark brown fluffy chicks into young, small bantams with great success – offspring of Pearlie – we have now purchased four Serama bantams, the smallest breed of chickens known. Two cock birds and two hens.
Both cockerels have fabulous plumage, the weeny one (all have yet to be named) is feathered in rich red, gold, peachy brown through to sable, the other similar with the addition of white, and speckled rather than blended markings. As for the hens, one is Bambi-beige with a matching doe-like face and hen number four, the tiniest, youngest addition, a little larger than a blackbird, smokey quartz with creamy brown ‘lacing’ edging her feathers. All are lovely.
Sociable bunch
Incredibly friendly, they chat away particularly the little cockerel. Somewhere between a gurgling baby and chirping, very sweet to hear, and fluent as he trots about when someone is present.
In the mornings their crows are light and subtle. At times listening to their repetitions the sound could be mistaken for a peculiar, battery operated doll left unattended in the garden.
All are settling well, the larger male blending seamlessly with the Pekin hens, who at first wondered whom the confident dating newcomer was. Being a little smaller, they accept him as another rather than the boss. However he is unperturbed, flattering his new ladies with courtly dashes, wing down butting the ground, little circles and plumage puffed out showing. The hens are not yet taking him seriously.
Adorable and gentle, the female Seramas stay close to their male for security, whilst calmly pecking at grain. One has even challenged the chicks despite her slight size, almost a third smaller. Still maturing the chicks do occasionally get feisty; part of growing-up, learning and finding the pecking order – the cock bird is always at the top and will fight with other cocks (and hens if needed) maintaining pole position.
Jolly dozen
Our happy flock currently totals 12, however three chicks will move on before Winter. Hopefully next Spring, numbers will increase again, ideally champion show birds if our planning comes together.
If you wish to see them in the feathers, two Seramas, one hen chick and a Pekin will be showing next weekend, 30th & 31st August, in the Poultry Tent at Wolverton Manor Garden Fair.
To read more of Cassandra Gardiner‘s work, visit her blog.
