A pullet in the pen is worth a hundred in the fen

Similar English and Irish sayings:

A good friend is worth more than a hundred relatives A good friend is worth more than a hundred relatives
One father is enough to govern one hundred sons, but not a hundred sons one father One father is enough to govern one hundred sons, but not a hundred sons one father
Swarm in may is worth a load of hay; a swarm in june is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm in july is not worth a fly Swarm in may is worth a load of hay; a swarm in june is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm in july is not worth a fly

Proverbs and English sayings