One of mine had an impacted crop just after we first got her. It was really hard, like a sock over-stuffed with grain. I had success with syringing in cod liver oil, about 2.5ml, and then massaging for about 10 minutes. Once you get going you can really feel things loosening up. I gave her 3 doses d...

That is terrific Justin! Are you picking up the girls from near Fontwell? There is http://www.sprcentre.co.uk/ virtually on the doorstep if there is anything you still need to get. They do everything.

Good luck!

Hi Will. It would contain your chickens, probably wouldn't bother flapping up into the trees but you'd have to watch them to see if they tried. The only thing that may concern you is if you have foxes around, they would easily get access. Unfortunately unless you construct something like Fort Knox, ...

If you want to continue to have good relations with your neighbours, how about offering to take their dog out for a walk when you take yours. Perhaps theirs doesn't get enough exercise and the barking is its only outlet. If it stops the barking you win - and it may give you the opportunity to broach...

Google "Friendship Cake" there are loads of recipes.

Is this it? Cutworm

I'd try putting food down in lots of containers for a while so that they can all get at it without bullying. I've got 7 hens, 4 Black Rocks and 3 ex-batts. One of my ex-batts bullies the other 2 whenever she gets the chance. I've got 4 food containers on the go at the moment.

I find a pot of vaseline very handy - to put on combs when it's frosty, or if they look sore or dry, same for bottoms if they are featherless when you get them, also to "ease the way" if you suspect that an egg may be stuck.

And surely everyone has to have a Florence?

Make the most of your grass Smiler

I must invest in an automatic vent opener.

Lol! Not for your chickens I hope

There is an indication of egg colour for pure breeds HERE

I got a syringe from a chemist - it was sold as a medicine measurer to give children liquid medicine, cost me about 30p I think.

Male urine around your perimeter is supposed to be a good deterrent.

There are some on Ebay