When Trevor and Samantha Stickley noticed that their pet hens, Margot and Valerie, were struggling with the cold after being rescued from a battery farm, they decided to take action.

The pair contacted tailoring franchise The Zip Yard in Bournemouth, which agreed to measure up the birds and create two overcoats that were both stylish and warm. The 18-month Rhode Island hens will wear the coats throughout the winter until they are more used to dealing with the cold that their new battery-free lifestyle presents.

A spokesperson for The Zip Yard told The Daily Mail: “We were very surprised to have an enquiry about a pair of chickens. We have never worked with animals before and it was the weirdest request we have received but we were happy to help.

“They were our most bizarre customers but they very well behaved.”

Published: 8 October 2013

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