Search found 1735 matches

by HedgeHugger
01 Jul 2018, 22:59
Forum: Keeping Chickens and other Poultry
Topic: chickens in hot weather
Replies: 10
Views: 5107

Re: chickens in hot weather

They may be expensive but I have been buying water melons for the girls Spoilt!!! I haven't bought any watermelon for me this year, too expensive lol :) They seem to be pretty good at working out what's good for them. My 2 avoid the sun for most of the day, then loll around dust bathing until bedti...
by HedgeHugger
26 Jun 2018, 17:16
Forum: Frugality and Self-Reliance
Topic: Washing powder - A.di?
Replies: 17
Views: 28771

Re: Washing powder - A.di?

I do most of my washes on a 40 degree wash. I found that 30 just wasn't enough for lighter coloured washes.
by HedgeHugger
09 Jun 2018, 14:17
Forum: Frugality and Self-Reliance
Topic: Washing powder - A.di?
Replies: 17
Views: 28771

Re: Washing powder - A.di?

Ever thought of making your own? Since this thread http://www.downthelane.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=35039&hilit=laundry" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I'm still making my own. I buy an 'emergency' bottle of liquid every couple of years, I still use fabric conditioner in m...
by HedgeHugger
29 May 2018, 20:00
Forum: Keeping Chickens and other Poultry
Topic: Chicken coop recommendations
Replies: 6
Views: 3599

Re: Chicken coop recommendations

A few of us with plastic coops have ones from Solway recycling. They are more expensive than wood usually. The maxi Hen loft will house 4 large birds easily, you might want to consider extra laying space (an old hutch) for instance, as well as the previously mentioned walk in run. Mine free range ar...
by HedgeHugger
29 May 2018, 15:24
Forum: Food and Drink
Topic: I lurv my breakfasts
Replies: 7
Views: 10342

Re: I lurv my breakfasts

I eat a fair bit of yoghurt and fruit for brekkie in the summer. I've got a yoghurt maker and while I don't use it all the time, If there's a bit of yoggy left at the end of the pot, I put it to one side and make my own greek style. It's a little more effort, but I hate the home made slime otherwise...
by HedgeHugger
23 May 2018, 11:54
Forum: Keeping Chickens and other Poultry
Topic: ROSIES ROSE
Replies: 19
Views: 9732

Re: ROSIES ROSE

Sounds like a pretty nice way to remember her by. Not a mad thing to do at all. When I lost one of my ferrets I was looking at a bottle brush bush (reminded me of happy mad times and bushy tails) . I never did get around to buying it. This thread has reminded me, so may still seek one out yet! Griev...
by HedgeHugger
20 May 2018, 19:58
Forum: Keeping Chickens and other Poultry
Topic: Going to lose Rosie
Replies: 20
Views: 8290

Re: Going to lose Rosie

Sounds good, hope she keeps on picking up. Such a relief when it looks like things are getting back to normal.
by HedgeHugger
20 May 2018, 17:14
Forum: Keeping Chickens and other Poultry
Topic: Going to lose Rosie
Replies: 20
Views: 8290

Re: Going to lose Rosie

Could she be egg bound? I have 2 ladies left, neither have been prolific egg layers, but one has been laying occasionally (once or twice a weekish) this year, but the other Beryl... she tried poor sausage. She was looking miserable, had been sitting in the hutch, nothing doing. Looked really miserab...
by HedgeHugger
17 May 2018, 12:17
Forum: Frugality and Self-Reliance
Topic: Washing powder - A.di?
Replies: 17
Views: 28771

Re: Washing powder - A.di?

I used to buy Formil, which is Lidl's own brand. That used to be fine. Haven't bought powder for years now though. I did read somewhere that powder is actually better for washing, but I still buy liquids.

All powder's will be pretty much the same.
by HedgeHugger
06 May 2018, 10:14
Forum: Garden Wildlife
Topic: fledgling in the chicken run
Replies: 9
Views: 9677

Re: fledgling in the chicken run

The blackbirds will live locally and probably know where it is. They do call out to each other.

Our local blackbirds are very trusting of us, and come to the window asking to be fed!
My chickens wouldn't eat a blackbird (too big maybe), but have been known to eat sparrow on occasion!
by HedgeHugger
02 May 2018, 11:47
Forum: Garden Wildlife
Topic: Nestboxes
Replies: 32
Views: 27355

Re: Nestboxes

Sad about the blackbirds, but likely they will try again. We had several broods last year from the same set of parents.
Nature is wonderful, but can also seem so harsh to us. Part of the overall fascination though I guess.
by HedgeHugger
17 Apr 2018, 19:33
Forum: Keeping Chickens and other Poultry
Topic: Mice in Chicken Coop and Run Area
Replies: 18
Views: 8310

Re: Mice in Chicken Coop and Run Area

You mentioned cat, not a mouser then? I used poison on rats, after trying to be humane about the whole thing. I had success catching a young one with a swing bin, a plank and peanut butter. The live trap I bought has caught absolutely 0 rats. I had a conversation (one way) with the rats telling them...
by HedgeHugger
04 Mar 2018, 17:28
Forum: Keeping Chickens and other Poultry
Topic: water keeps freezing
Replies: 19
Views: 21936

Re: water keeps freezing

Glycerine can help to stop freezing. Not sure about compatibility with chickens and glycerine though.

Just frequent checking/changing otherwise.

I've also heard that hot freezes quicker than cold. That's why if you want to defrost stuff quickly (windscreens for instance) use cold water not hot.
by HedgeHugger
21 Jan 2018, 13:19
Forum: Garden Wildlife
Topic: Help! trying to identify a bird
Replies: 11
Views: 9959

Re: Help! trying to identify a bird

They all have to eat though.

Nature can be a tough thing to sit back and watch, as well as an amazing pleasure.
by HedgeHugger
19 Jan 2018, 14:41
Forum: Food and Drink
Topic: More memories...The Larder (Pantry)
Replies: 18
Views: 19559

Re: More memories...The Larder (Pantry)

I always assumed larder was a posh word for pantry :P

There probably is a difference, but not that I know.

Actually I just gave it a quick google.... A larder is a room and a pantry is a cupboard type thing. So there ya go... :)