An eggs-tra strain on vet surgeries.

THE CHICKEN population in Warwickshire has eggsploded by more than 200 per cent in a year, according to vets.

With chicken-keeping becoming increasingly popular in urban areas, vets at Avonvale's four surgeries in Warwick, Kenilworth, Southam and Wellesbourne, have seen hen consultations soar.

Vet Clare Yeadon said: "Around 50 years ago keeping a couple of chickens in the garden was not uncommon and we have seen a swath of people going back to this. They are fairly easy to keep and can become just as friendly as cats and dogs.

"However, it's important to remember that chickens need to be treated regularly for worms, lice and particularly redmite, which can cause death.

"They need land available to dust-bathe in, access to grass, and their ark and run must be fox-proof."

Sarah Robinson, a PR consultant living in Kenilworth, keeps four chickens at the bottom of her garden.

She said: "It's very relaxing to watch them scratching about for worms and they lay the most delicious eggs."

CAPTION(S):

IT'S NO YOLK!... Vet Clare Yeadon (right), who says the number of chickens being brought into her surgery has soared 200 per cent in just a year, is pictured with Sarah Robinson and her hens Specks and Pamela.