'plants & poultry'
Like most livestock or pure breeds of animal, they are frequent sold according to a level of criteria they meet, and in this respect chickens are no different. Show Quality Stock By definition, an example of a breed that is deemed as being of show or exhibition quality is a bird that exhibits all …
Continue reading "Stock Types"
Last year I predicted this threat could well become a reality in terms of keeping birds indoors and under cover for 6 months of the year. I didn't want to imagine it could become a year round issue. There will be some tough decisions and tough times ahead for backyarders, the Fancy and poultry shows …
A free ranging poultry flock foraging for itself is a wonderful sight to see. By this I don’t mean the mega flocks of the commercial egg production units, but the smaller flocks you find on small holdings and larger gardens. Granted not everyone has the space to free range, or others find the conflict between …
In normal circumstances I welcome broody chickens with open arms (although given the manner of some of my broodies I mean that metaphorically as you would be lucky to get anywhere near them!) However during the late summer months, and in particular during July and August, it can be a real problem if you find …
In case you don't live in the Midlands area or didn't get to see me pointing out of the anomalies in one country applying HRAs (High Risk Areas) and the neighbouring country not following suit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYTZSje_yYk My thanks to David for picking up on the story, it ran for most of the day and …
Continue reading "A Brief Appearance on BBC Midlands Today talking about Avian Flu"
How to spot avian influenza (bird flu), what to do if you suspect it, measures to prevent it, Prevention Zones requiring birds to be housed, and recent cases. Source: Avian influenza (bird flu) - GOV.UK
This might not be what people want but I can't deny the logic behind the fact that if you can't free range then don't free range. It's up to you to decide if that means don't keep chickens, or do keep them but in a contained environment. "UK's Chief Vet Nigel Gibbens has said that …
