Chocolate lovers in bidding war; POULTRY MANIA FOR NEW BROWN CHICKEN.

Byline: ANDREW FORGRAVE

MANIA for a new chocolate-coloured chicken has sparked a bidding war and attracted the attentions of criminals.

This week the craze hit new heights when a North Wales breeder sold a pair of Chocolate Orpingtons for pounds 1,050 to a buyer in southern England.

They were sold via web auction site Bid4poultry.co.uk, whose Abergele owner has now installed CCTV cameras after a spate of thefts across Britain Sam Jones, who runs the auction site with fellow mum Sarah Bond-Mutch, is even selling yet-to-be-born Chocolate Orpingtons for pounds 950-a-pair.

Sam, of Llanddulas, said: "The first ever Chocolate Orpingtons went under the hammer last year and made pounds 500.

"I thought it might be a temporary fashion but since then the price has doubled. "When the auction closed on Monday night, it was a little crazy. Ten bidders were involved, I couldn't believe what was happening."

The Chocolate Orpington is the rarest of all Orpington colours, originating from a breeding programme by the late Dr Clive Carefoot.

Launched on to the market last year, they have caused a sensation among backyard poultry keepers who want them for their rarity and ornamental value.

But many keepers have been ripped off, others have seen their birds stolen. A recent theft took place in Llysfaen, near Colwyn Bay.

Sam has fitted heavy-duty padlocks and implemented new security measures.

"If I host an open day, I always insist people provide verifiable addresses," she said.

"But if thieves are determined, they usually succeed."

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CAPTION(S):

Sarah Bond-Mutch and Sam Jones with one of their Chocolate Orpington cockerels Chocolate Orpingtons are popular because they can be crossed to produce brown varieties of other breeds Picture: JEFF PITT