Rare chicken back in the limelight

Snowy the chicken was the only survivor from a clutch of eggs last February

Snowy - Gloucester City Council's now famous rare breed chicken - will preside over one of the last events to take place at the city farm before it closes for the winter.

She is a hybrid of rare breeds, and was the only one of a clutch of eggs to be born last February and was the subject of an appeal for step-siblings to help her survive.

Since then she has gone on to appear in the media, has spearheaded a credit crunch publicity campaign, been the subject of a 'chick flick' on the council website and has her own 'Twitter' page .

Rare breed centre

Now she will take pride of place at the city farm this Saturday (14 November from 11am-3pm) at an event designed to promote chicken keeping.

The city farm closes for the winter on Saturday, 28 November, 2009 - and all of the animals return to the rare breed centre at Robinswood Hill for their annual MOT's and maintenance checks.

No rare breed chickens and bantams will be available for sale - but other poultry used for egg laying through the summer will be available.

Countryside manager, Derek Wakefield-Brown, commented: "There is increased interest in keeping chickens both as pets and for their egg laying.

Magnificent

"Our staff will be on hand to give advice to people thinking about taking up this pastime, the merits of different types of birds and the best ways of keeping them.

"It will also be an opportunity to meet Snowy who has now turned into the most magnificent chicken.

"She has had a fabulous year, has helped put Gloucester on the map and is a confirmed favourite with all of our visitors."

The rare breed centre remains open throughout the year - including Christmas Day - and animals can be visited there.