Gertrude McCluck came to visit my young red Cochin hens. She arrived in late July, just in time to see our new hens. It was sunny and pleasantly warm the day she arrived. She brought her carry-on bag with Happy Hen treats, a biosecurity book for birds, a Backyard Poultry magazine, a small magnifying glass and a small bottle of water. There was much clucking as they greeted each other.

They decided to come into my house and they ate Happy Hen treats and my one hen, Henny Penny, had prepared vitamin water for all to enjoy. They shared stories about where they were born, and who their parents were. Then they decided to play several games of Pictionary, that Gertrude McCluck won very time.

Next they decided to go to our neighborhood pool to win. Then Henny Penny, Polly Wolly, my chickens, jumped off the diving board. Of course, Gertrude McCluck would not be outdone. She did a double flip off the diving board. When they were done after four hours of swimming, they dried off and each had a popsicle.

Then they each decided to get some pizza with anchovies. So they strolled up the sidewalk to the local pizza shop. Gertrude McCluck, Polly Wolly and Henny Penny all went inside the pizza shop. The owner was very familiar with the three hens so he gave them each a slice of cheese pizza with anchovies and apple juice to drink.

The three hens went back to my house to play dress up. They put lipstick on their beaks. Then they put fingernail polish on all of their toenails. Then they dressed in my doll clothes. They strutted around the house. They were the cutest chicks you ever saw! Nighttime came and Gertrude McCluck had so much fun she decided to stay overnight. Before they roosted they had more Happy Hen treats.

The next day it rained and they went outside and happily jumped in puddles and looked for worms, which was a lot of fun and very tasty. Then when they finally came inside, they played with my marble roller game which they put the marbles in the top and watch them roll down many levels until they reach the bottom, causing the hens to jump wildly and screech with excitement.

It was noon when they finished, so for lunch they had homemade bread, cucumbers and blueberry jello with apple juice. They all sat down after lunch to look at the Backyard Poultry magazine and biosecurity book. They ordered Happy Hen treats from Gertrude McCluck's personal store.

Her time to go was here. They said their goodbyes to each other and promised to write soon. Polly Wolly and Henny Penny really enjoyed the visit from Gertrude McCluck and invited her back again sometime. She packed her bag and double-checked to make sure she had all her belongings, and was off to the bus station.