hi

We use woodchip and then a layer of straw on the run floor.

Yes, it really is upsetting - there's nothing enriched about the conditions millions of chooks live in. Yes, Sandy, it was BHWT - I also thought they should have clipped claws - especially as we had all been given time slots to arrive at - it wasn't a mad free for all. All half hour time slots, so t...

We have got them. They are in a terrible state. I has no feathers on her back, bottom or underside - massive floppy white comb and white face. Another has quills just sticking out of her body - no feathers. The most aggressive one, one of her wings seems to be hanging down and dragging on the floor....

So I decided to buy a Feathers and Beaky treat dispenser and a grit and corn block to hang from the roof. Are they in the slightest bit interested? No! They've had swings, boxes, treat dispensers, a felled tree stump - nada, no interest in anything. I was off last week and doing some hand gardening ...

hi there Try not to worry, it is normal for them. I have a Speckledy who goes broody for 9-10 weeks - every year without fail . Its like she goes into a trance. It usually starts sometime around now... As long as she eats and drinks when you turf her off, she will be fine. And then "with the fl...

Whilst gardening last night - slowly, on my knees and with a hand fork - so "helping" chickens are not accidently hurt - noticed that there were only 3 "helping". Found Queenie hunkered under a bush. Previous to that, she had been running, scratching and jumping up for treats. Wh...

So, our third batch of batties will be ready to collect on 9 July

We are having 4 from BHWT, so will boost our gals to 8.

Thanks Sandy - we do deep down know that they wouldn't have had this life, but as you say, it hurts so much when we have to say goodbye. Marge had the tiniest, worried little voice and Im certain that I still hear her on occasion. We've decided to take on some more rescues - the garden is too quiet ...

So sorry to hear this Bob - he had an amazing life with you and as you say, more than most boys. It is heartbreaking, but we cant let them suffer and we know when the time has come to do the right thing. No less painful though and sobbing out loud seems to be the order of the day. Sending you hugs a...

hi Sandy - how are you doing lovely?

Thanks Karen. Both my gingers are having their feathers "eaten" by something. Little Mo is the worst affected and I don't know what to do. They have DE in their dust baths, in the coup and in the next box. They have been treated with frontline (to no avail) and have had 3 weeks on the iver...

The garden is too quiet without the amazing BonnieMarge. They were polite (never snatched anything), quietly spoken (not given to squarking), gentle, lovable little girls.

I miss them so much.

The others, whilst I love them all very much, are not as "ladylike" as they were.

Margie PTS 3 May - gone to join her best bud, Bonnie

my lovely baby Margie went to join her best bud, Bonnie yesterday.

another bloody loss to EYP.

She was the last of the ex-batts rescued on 9 January 2016. Don't know if I can cope with getting any more

Lovely pictures - HB does look like she is thinking "why am I in here and you're out there"