It was in the early 70's and there was a lot of crazy stuff going on all around us in the North of Ireland. However my brother and I wanted "the birds", looking back now I know my dad got them for us to keep us out of trouble. But I will never forget the day he took us to an abandoned old farmhouse and there nesting in an orange box nailed to an outside toilet wall was a lovely old red cock paired to a red check hen (an SU stray) reds have been my favorite ever since. Just got them back now the last few years, its the best hobby in the world!
Jim