Solo is one of the smaller creatures that live in The Poultry Palace on the Rectory Reserve. The Palace is a rather grand traditional 30' x 15' hen house which has probably been on the site here since the 1940s or '50s.
Solo is a very handsome Maran cockerel and was our first chick to be born here five years ago. He was hatched by Daffodil, who is a Light Sussex cross Rhode Island Red hen, whom he probably regards as chief hennie. She's certainly our oldest hen. Although Daffodil 'sat' on a number of eggs, Solo was the only one to hatch. He was quite an adventurous little chick and was soon scampering around outside. Unfortunately, it was a very wet summer - much like this one - so as soon as he left the nest Daffodil went out to protect him from the rain, thereby deserting all her other eggs. He's clearly appreciated it ever since; unlike some other cockerels I could (and will) mention, he has always been the sweetest natured chap and has never, ever chased off a human. Thankfully, however, he does chase off the other cockerels if they get out of line or too 'cocky'.
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