Feeling broody? Arthur Parkinson on how to raise a happy hen

You become adept at combing your fingers through feathers. I’ve got a Buff Cochin hen on my lap who is a giant, billowing, cushion-like creation of a chicken. I’m going through her huge amount of tangerine-coloured plumage to dust her undersides, gently revealing her pink skin to puff her with a white mite-repelling powder. She clucks softly with chattering concern, and I mutter back to her in agreement. This task is more of a precaution than a need, but there is lot of what I shall…