Recently, I received an exclusively unique cockerel calendar from Happy Eggs as their ambassadors. This 2015 Nice Pecks cockerel calendar features 12 handsome cockerels in their most daring display yet as they take sport to the ‘next level’ for their feathery admirers. Each month comes with a recipe that, of course, includes using Happy Eggs.
The ‘rad’ roosters were chosen for their sporting prowess from over 100 fine feathered fowl to take part in the leading free range egg brand’s annual calendar which was created to give flocks up and down the country some added ‘hen-tertainment’. The initiative follows academic research, which found that hens are calmer, and range further afield when in the company of cockerels.
The unlikely pin-ups in this year’s high octane calendar include cockerels such as a Light Brahma, a Lincolnshire Buff and a Black Cemani. With a hunger for adventure and adrenalin highs, the cockerels can be seen in a range of sporting scenarios including jumping off slopes in January, riding gnarly waves in August and snowboarding in December.
Talking about the shoot renowned sports and celebrity photographer Ian Derry said: “This certainly wasn’t the sort of brief I’m used to getting but when the happy egg co. got in touch I couldn’t turn it down. I think it’s a fantastic idea and being able to draw on my sporting work, I knew we could produce some great shots to help get their hens egg-cited. It’s great they are constantly looking for ways to enhance the hen’s environment and this year I wanted to help add that dynamism. With the last couple of years focusing on romantic clichés and Hollywood, it was all about showing the roosters in their sporting glory. Capturing the surfing shot was a particular highlight.”
Founded in 2009, the happy egg co. is committed to produce great tasting eggs laid by the happiest hens; and accepts only the highest standards of animal welfare for its laying birds. The free range specialist encourages its girls to roam and forage outdoors. As well as plenty of green pasture, all happy egg farms are equipped with an assortment of activities to enhance the birds’ natural surroundings – from towers to perch on, sandpits for dust-bathing, and natural play areas with logs, foliage and 20% tree coverage.
Copies of the sporting elite calendar will be given to all happy egg producers with hundreds available on the free range specialist’s Facebook and Twitter pages for hens nationwide to enjoy.
Disclosure: We have received the calendar as their ambassadors.