Hi Mad Chick, thanks for the link. I had a quick look on that site but didn't find that info, so thanks for that. Yes they are nice aren't they, but I wonder what colour egg they lay? I'll go and have a look at those and the copper ones before I decide. Hi Pepi, believe me, I have searched high and ...

So sorry to read you lost your little girl. Sounds like she was a very lucky little hen to have you to care for her. The hard part of having pets is loosing them. Please take comfort from knowing you gave her a happy life after the horrors of the battery farm.

Hi Mike, Your plum may be a wild plum. If the stones grow as easily as you say, that would make sense. There are lots growing round here and the fruit is small. I've used them to make wine. I also have a plum tree in my garden which grew from a sucker of another plum after my husband got carried awa...

I have 2 bins, one black plastic one from the council, and one I made from pallets. I have a a tub that gets any veg peelings etc., and that gets emptied into the wooden bin when full. I also tear up any unwanted letters and add those for the carbon. The plastic bin rots down faster, but that may be...

I'm no expert, but I think it can depend on the rooster to an extent. Some have louder crows than others, and some crow more. As far as I am concerned, if you live in the country side you should expect this sort of noise. When I had chooks about 6 years ago, I had a Light Sussex rooster. He would wa...

That's just low. I take it for granted that we are safe here in the sticks, but realistically, unless you live in the middle of nowhere, anywhere could be prone to this sort of thing. I have seen in the past though, chickens walking down a busy road, obviously escaped from someones run. So maybe the...

For ages now I have been searching for local(ish) breeders to buy my first girlies from, with not much luck. However, I emailed one I found on line, and she has white Marans and 4 copper black ones at a year old, which she says were in her breeding pen. Firstly, I've never heard of white Marans. I t...

In that case, maybe I'll place them where looks to be the best. Maybe the lower one about 10 inches off the floor, and the other about 18 inches. He he, I can't wait to get them.

Glad I asked. I didn't realise they have to be so substantial. I'll probably use 2 x 2". I'm doing my best to get this finished so I can get my girlies this weekend, but working in this heat is hard going. Can I just ask, what sort of height should I place them at? Would about 18 inches be too ...

I'm about half way through building my coop and run (why is it everything takes about 4 times longer thank you think it will?), and I need to sort out the perches. Can someone please tell me what shape they should be? Round, square edged etc?

As with anything in life, everyone has a different opinion about whats right and wrong. I try to find a middle ground, so treats in moderation and definitely nothing that has been in my kitchen . Don't want the thought police knocking at the door.

Still have to decide on a waterer though!

Thanks for the link, that is a good price.

I didn't know that about the dogs. Is there a withdrawal period for hens?

Thanks for all your input. I guess some people get stuck in their ways, as with my friend. She has fed her hens pasta for years and sees nothing wrong with it. I love the idea of the weed filled hanging basket, one to remember. One thing my friend mentioned is that pure breed chickens are able to ut...

Sounds like the love of a few good women have tamed his wild ways.

Can I ask, how old was he when you first realised that she was a he?

I know this sort of weather in England is rare, but as hubby and me were putting in the posts for the new run over the weekend, I was thinking how lucky it is that most of it is in shade. I think they will love it.