Violet came to Mulberry Cottage in May 2014 with her flock sisters, Agnes, Winne and Ella, rehomed via the wonderful British Hen Welfare Trust. A very threadbare hen, she was, nevertheless, a confident girl and quickly asserted herself, going up against the formidable Peggy …

The same thing happened when we brought a new flock home last autumn. Violet soon put the new girls in their place, and wasn’t beyond giving our spaniel puppy, Hattie, a little peck on the nose too!

Now, I have to say that Violet wasn’t the sort of hen who enjoyed a cuddle, but she had heaps of character and grew into a really beautiful girl with rich chestnut feathers and a really pleasing plumpness about her.

Goodnight dear Violet. We hope you loved every minute of your 20 months of retirement with us.