Rosalind came to us with her three ex-bat sisters in the summer of 2016. Named after Shakespeare’s heroine from As You Like It, she soon proved to be an intrepid girl and was the first in her flock to venture across the lawn to the rose border.

Essentially shy, she was nevertheless easy to handle and was very docile during all her trips to the vets where she became a much-loved and cared for patient.

After being successfully fitted with an implant to reverse the effects of egg yolk peritonitis, she enjoyed a wonderful summer, free-ranging and sunbathing with Evie and Viola.

A second implant was fitted just before Christmas and, although successful again, we could see that she was slowing down. She spent more time indoors where we could keep an eye on her and make sure she was eating because she was losing weight, and we were heartbroken when we finally lost her. Of all our hens, she spent the most hours at the vets and was such a brave girl.

Goodbye, darling Rosalind. We will miss you.