I had thought that the Vicks had helped the feather pecking – but clearly not as this morning I watched Clarissa peck and eat a feather from Delia … I was helpless to stop her as I was in the house. Within minutes, however, my delivery from Regency Poultry arrived with a can of Ukadex on board!

I’ve read all about Ukadex and how terrible it smells, so I sent DH to put his waterproofs on, while I kitted myself up with a waterproof (DH also has waterproof trousers, I don’t … ) and garden gloves and went out to talk to the hens while I waited for DH. The Cook Chooks appear to really like human company, as they come to you as soon as you join them, and stay round your feet whatever you’re doing. Or perhaps they’re just trying to curry favour, or seek protection, from someone they regard as top of the pecking order? In any case, it was a matter of moments to scoop them up and spray them … so I was done and dusted before DH even managed to get his trousers on!

I have read forum and blog entries that talk about the smell, and how you have to change everything you are wearing and have a shower to wash it away etc … so I was prepared for the worst. But I really don’t think it’s that bad! It reminds me of burnt meths or tar … yes, it’s strong, but not repulsive … but let’s hope it does the job. Generally, apart from the bald patches and where I used the Vicks, Delia and Nigella are starting to gleam like Clarissa. I noticed recently, however, that Bobby in particular is looking a little scruffy … DH had a good look at her today, and her front is completely bare – I can only assume she is moulting, as is Bridget.

So their good laying record may go on hold for a while as they grow new feathers. I learned today that it’s little Delia – smallest hen, fewest feathers – who is laying the larger of the Rhode Rock eggs with a speckled end. I’m glad to report that the RRs are all laying in the ark, now, too. I don’t think we’ve had an egg from Yolande for a few days now, but she seems well.

The Hen Garden doesn’t get a lot of sun. At one point this morning, we had seven of the girls all squished up into the one spot of sunshine they could find, which is when they finally discovered the branches I cut and put in the run a couple of weeks ago … they are piled up against the cherry tree so the first we knew of it was when DH spotted one of the Virtues half way up the tree where the trunk divides in two. They didn’t get any higher, and I didn’t see how the LS got down again, but they all then took it in turns to explore their new climbing frame!

I left the hens in DH’s care Saturday and spent the day in London … DD1 had a summer camp reunion so I had a day to myself to spend as I liked. In the end, I spent it walking the River Thames and getting to know the bridges … I took a couple of hundred photos, so if you’d like to see a few, click on the picture below.