They are a credit to your care Wendy. They all look in beautiful condition and enjoying their carefree life.

June

I do feel for you as I have had mobility problems for a few years now. Had one hip replaced last Sept and waiting for the second one to be done. Arthritis in the top and bottom of my spine has to be managed. I do find that a heat pad helps, but the real help for me is to lay on the floor on my tummy...

Hi All At round about what age does a young hen grow her comb? Last October I bought my young Wyandott who was then a large girl but not yet laying. Not sure how old she was but young. She still hasn't started laying but am sure she will when ready, but she hasn't yet started to grow her comb althou...

Thanks so much for the replies, especially on what to buy. A great help.

June

When I bought my 3 girls 5mths ago, they had just been wormed, so coming up to that time again. I've been wondering about the eggs being laid. When having worm treatment, do the eggs have to be discarded? Having not done it myself before, must make sure I don't make my other half ill as he does love...

I've noted that a few people have their chickens in the house. I can't help wondering how they cope with all the poo.
I love the idea but mine do a lot, so envisage the floor having to be completely covered in plastic sheeting. What's the secret!

Like some others, I have a small enclosed and roofed run within the main run. This has the hen house within it, underneath which my girls snuggled up in the bad weather. I did notice though that it still got pretty windy, so thought I must somehow get inspired and remedy this. On a visit to the gard...

I normally clean up the hen house the first job that I do in the morning, even before my shower. Fifi, my only girl of the three laying, looks like the road runner, rushing to beat me to her bed. She has of late taken to laying in the deep straw of the bed instead of the nest box and just doesn't li...

I can't imagine how you must have felt on finding your poor little hen. Yes we do humanise our pets but that's how we are, so it does make it harder when something happens to them. Don't beat yourself up about not being there for her. You sound a very caring owner, so she must have had a lovely life...

Steve the Gas wrote:I would say Fifi is Bluebell and not a Maran

Got the name Maran from the breeder who had them in two colours. Bluebell sounds lovely, but whatever she is, she's beautiful.

Couldn't leave Dottie my young Wyandotte out. Didn't seem fair.
Must say, I've made a right pigs ear of putting up these pics.

See you haven't got Dottie, will do her tomorrow, hopefully.

I am only uploading 2 pics for a tryout. The first is of Fifi my french maran and the boss of the hen house, and Summer, my gentle little wellsummer The second is of Dottie, http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee392/Albertajune/Copy2ofjune110.jpg the youngest of the three. Hope this works, as I'm ge...

This is a good place to be for any queries, questions, giggles and good company Glad that you found us and have stepped in to join the fun I am sure that Perchy will be along soon demanding some piccies to nosey at Happy christmas to you both and also to your chookies Taz xxxx As soon as I get my h...

I have to say that since finding the "down the lane" forum I have learned so much about keeping chickens; and gained confidence. Being in my eary 70's, the thought of keeping a few hens was really daunting, but I now get so much pleasure from them. My husband does say that they are spoilt,...