Haven't the patience, let alone the skill. But I've seen some truly lovely ones over the years and greatly admire the work that goes into making them.

How sad, but it sounds as if she had a great time with you and the flock and that must count for something.

You could also consider giving them a few dried mealworms, a dollop of whole plain yoghurt (just once) or some white maggots, just to up their calcium level a little. That should help them form the shells properly.

Try upping her protein. Offer her plain whole yoghurt once or twice a week for a couple of weeks; dried mealworms; maggots - any of those. Some people suggest giving a bit of scrambled eggs too.

As you've planted a tomato, how about some lettuce or, better still, mixed salad leaves to go with it.

You can get a variety of colours and leaf shapes, so the pot could look decorative as well as useful.

Yes, given the choice mine prefer muddy water too!

How big is it? As well as the drowning possibility, if your lot are anything like mine, one of them will get wedged in it.

My neighbours are delighted when I give them fresh eggs, but laugh at me when I say, "This was laid by Maggie, this one by Tu-Tu, this one by Punk" and so on.

Where their new home will be looks lovely. They'll have a great time when they move.

So sorry you've had such problems to deal with. It's so hard when you lose a loved pet.

There's no such thing as a silly question on this forum. Julie has given you some sound advice.

There's hope for my one fuschia yet then

I think you're probably doing all the right things, but the poor light due to the weather we're having may have affected their laying. Regarding the soft shelled eggs - it's very important that you get it sorted by increasing their calcium intake. Try dried mealworms or white maggots (from fishing s...

I use fresh orange juice and a rhubarb yoghurt when I make mackeral pate (plus cream cheese, fresh ground pepper and smoked mackeral). Providing you don't use too much juice and yoghurt, it's not sweet. It's now a family favourite. Got the idea when I saw a recipe for fresh mackeral with rhubarb and...

Apparently yes! Take a look at http://www.messybeast.com/genetics/hybrid-birds.htm