HI L C, Really sorry you're having so much hassle. we have had our three girls for 2. 6 years and used a plastic coop from the start. They do free range all day ( so can dust bathe when ever they like ) and we havn't had any mite trouble at all. I would highly recommend plastic as it's so simple to ...

SO.....now we know where our incessant rain is coming from...... Just let us know when you get a decent interval and I'll get a deck chair out

Well...I know that oyster shell grit and limestone flour are recommended as calcium supplements, BUT my ladies don't see it that way. I managed to mix the flour in with their pellets..as for the grit..they generally ignore it. So my next cunning plan seems more successful. They love a little porridg...

hi Bob, you mentioned on the diary section that you were originally a cockney lad. Which part? That's why my husband enjoys your posts so much.....he comes from Elephant n Castle, though he left many moons ago.

Mabel ....because my Gran was the best ever...Evelyn because she was my Gran's lifelong friend.......and Katie? Well, my husband repeatedly said "no, we are NOT having chickens "....SO....I made a bargain with my pal Katie, " if you can reverse my husband's opinion"(guess !! )

Spare a thought for thousands of girls in sheds........

maybe this defies all logic.....but if at least one window is open in the room they can get out the same way they entered and I find that they don't hang around forever.

All the best for your moving in !! its a real challenge, besides supporting your mum with health issues. my mum has Parkinsons and is becoming increasingly disabled, so we can just keep supporting them,eh? she has a very determined spirit and a strong faith, and lots of wonderful friends at her King...

yes Bob, I know what you mean about re motivation! I always enjoyed being busy in the garden, but I can't wait to check out the chucks as soon as I arrive home now. its true that they give the garden a whole new dimension....and the house OF COURSE given the minutest of chances.

Think I posted my questions in the wrong section! Just had a chuck present her first lash. I wondered if there is anything in particular I can do to build her up as she was quite miserable yesterday. I read that lashes are caused by infections such as ecoli. she is also going thru a molt and has co...

Thankyou so much Karen. I was starting to quietly panic, thinking where will I plant another tree ( or rather, how do I let the OH know he will need the spade again ?? ). As for cider.....hm, I don't think I'll panic there........

Asda fruit trees....! bought an apple tree and have just planted it ( hm the OH did ). Total novice that I am, didn't realise that it was not a self pollinating one. It said on the label.(.which I read weeks later,) that I needed to plant another apple tree for pollination. Someone told me that if t...

hi Bob, sorry that you lost Bloomers. She was well blessed to be with you. Very few chucks die in the arms of their carers.

we just found two hedgehogs in the garden today! there's a little hole in our wall which has decking above it. Last year and previously we have had h/hogs emerge from the same place, though the little one died last summer. these present hogs look very healthy and full grown....we hope that they are ...

Just one thing I can add.....those girls will teach you ALL you need to know about chickens.....they come up with suprises / extra suprises on a regular basis. I have never enjoyed so much free entertainment !!