Phew - that must be a weight off, Spreckly. Glad to hear it.

Sorry I can't answer the question directly, though sure someone on here may know. I can tell you that I was thinking about getting some for pigs and had a brilliant conversation with one of the online companies that specialise. Sadly it was a while ago and I can't remember the detail. If no-one answ...

Trust me, I'd prefer not to touch their wings. I recall though my dads hens in trees around the garden where he had to leave them out all night as they wouldn't come down. So don't, imho. They felt safe up there and probably were. 'Manda, one of our esteemed and experienced laners,has a smallholdin...

This is the first year in 13 years I've had nesters, must be because I cut the hedge right back this year leaving easy access. X I think the word might have got out that you're running a canteen - and staffing Security! You sound very well trained!! I love having the swallows here, mess or not - th...

I used to go to a brilliant hairdresser who cut for the way your hair grew, and he was worth every penny of his expensive charge because the style lasted for weeks. Since then, I've only found people who can dry it to make you look salon-perfect for about five minutes, and I don't think they're wort...

Have you tried feeding it? A tomato feed would do but am sure others will have the perfect one.

Don't let the amount of information we're posting put you off getting them. Just like you'd research any other animal, it makes sense to know a bit before you start, but they actually are quite easy to look after as they very much know their own minds and their needs are simple - food (pellets), wat...

You can buy sacks of corn and mixed grains for them if you want to give it as a treat as well as the pellets. The extra protein can help with feather regrowth after the annual moult or if they need building up at all.
As other treats, they tend to like moist things like berries, cucumber, peas etc

I'm told I'm wrong on this and that bleach equally effective and alcohol at 60% or more.

The virus has a lipid/fatty part which means that it is destroyed by soap, so the soapy water is definitely effective.
I'm not sure about bleach but cant see why that would work as it's an anti-microbial treatment rather than anti-virus, I believe. Others may know better.

Hi and welcome. I don't know either, but mostly because chickens are very individual and just when you think you understand them they'll do something else. A bit like cats. BUT They will try and eat anything that looks like an insect. so, if you get flying insects land on the polythene they may try ...

I hope your aches and pains are easing, Gwen. I think we've all had moments like those. The pride can take a bit of a bashing as well as the bones, but your fall sounds quite spectacular.

The Imperial work is looking promising too.

Well I certainly don't want to be generating methane. Does this occur only in anaerobic conditions? I thought it unlikely because 1) decreasing relative rainfall with tree cover 2) increasing actual drainage and tree/shrub root take-up 3) going no till & adding to soil surface 4) increasing aera...

Thanks for the link, LL - an interesting read.
With a short growing season here, anything to get an advantage is welcomed. Also cheap, lower carbon, and organic.