The gold, silver and blue laced wyandotte teenagers got their freedom today. Most of the pullets and the very youngest cockerels stayed home and basked in the sun. But for the brave boys (and couple of brave girls) who ventured outside, it was a VERY exciting day. They darted here and there in little gangs, sampling the new green grass, and leaves, and bugs, and gazing all around at the world they were suddenly in, instead of watching through a chicken wire door.

It was blustery, and each big gust sent alarmed birds barrelling back home for a few minutes of comfort before out they’d dart again. As dusk came on – every chicken’s curfew – they all went home to roost, and sleep well I’m sure. Dreaming of sunny, windy, green grass and bug filled afternoons.