 I can't now remember what originally lured me in to poultry keeping. Was it the enthusiasm coming from Jamie and Hugh or the guilt from a childhood diet of chicken Mc Nuggets? Or even more recently, the occasional non free range chicken breast when pounds were scarce at the end of the month. What I do know, is I now can't bear the thought of eating cooked chicken even if it were to come from Mr Oliver's oven.
When I told my friends I was thinking of keeping chickens I was met with mixed responses. Largely surprise that their wine slurping, PR, London city girl would want to go anywhere near what is perceived to be a farm animal. There were of course a few mutterings of interest but the general consensus was that I had gone a bit weird.
Four months down the line and ten new feathery friends later, their opinion has changed. The perception of dirty balls of scruff has been replaced by the reality of beautiful, truly engaging, loveable pets with the promise of eggs to look forward to - hopefully in just a few months time.
 We chose to opt for chicks, partly for the cute factor and also with an aim to forge a stronger bond with the new additions to our family. Despite concerns our feisty cat Smudge would think her birthday treats had arrived early, we did our research, picked our breeds and, after a slightly bizarre email exchange with an eccentric gentleman, headed to a breeder called Perfect Poultry, just along the A3. Upon arrival, the email miscommunication became clear and I was informed we could not, as I had believed, take home six female chicks. Instead we would have to wait to determine their sex and therefore, to increase the odds of ending up with at least a few hens, left with ten.
The fear that overcomes you when bringing home young chicks must be slightly akin to the emotions one goes through when bringing home a new born baby. The cooing is over and reality strikes. Echoes of advice from the Omlet chicken forum scurry through your mind - heat lamps, grit, grower's pellets, poultry tonic... All the things you really should remember to be a responsible chicken owner.
 That's not to say the ride has not come with a few hick ups - the time I gave each chicken enough garlic powder to keep a horse happy for a week and lived with curried chickens for days is probably best forgotten!
Eventually, it all comes together and you sprinkle your poultry spice like a true pro. We have just finished setting up a truly spectacular henclosure which we have dubbed Hensington Palace and it is a joy to watch the birds live such a care free life. Whilst it may be seen as unusual to keep chickens in an urban location, they're far easier to maintain than your standard feline or child's choice, the rodent. Plus, they're the pets that pay for themselves with a never ending supply of scrumptious eggs.
My friends may be tiring of endless hen photos on facebook or being forced to read my tongue in cheek blog, Chickentalk Blog, but I do not care for I am a poultry convert. Chuck out your chihuahua, chickens are the must have pet for any self respecting London girl.
Dont forget you can also visit Beths other Blog on poultrykeeper.
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Keeping Chickens