The Doorstep Allotment

Whilst getting my haircut the other day (yes I still have some worthy of cutting) I got chatting with the barber (well she's a skilled hairdresser actually, it's just her skill would be wasted on my 'scratch and go' style hair cut). We were talking about growing veg in containers on the patio... so here's …

Plant Listings – RHS Plant Finders

As part of our preparations for appearing in next years RHS plant finders directory, we've been updating our plant listings. Take a look here to see what we have on offer. Hopefully in the near future we will be able to offer mail order too.

Vixen drops by to check I’ve locked up – Trail Camera

Curiosity killed the cat according to the saying, however curiosity is but an appetite for knowledge, and this led me to purchase a trail camera..... at least that's my excuse. I know that foxes visit the chicken pens, in fact if you follow this blog you will have read about various trials and tribulations I've …

As Spring Approaches….

“‘Now that the growing season has started are there any ornamental plants I can grow that my chickens can benefit from?” There are a number of garden ornamentals that make great grain and seed providers for your flock come the autumn, but put on a stunning display during the main of the growing season. Sunflowers …

Farmers, Smallholders Warned Not to Feed Kitchen Scraps to Animals – The Poultry Site

UK - The Animal and Plant Health Agency is warning farmers and smallholders not to feed catering or kitchen waste to livestock such as pigs and poultry, even if they are being kept as pets. Source: Farmers, Smallholders Warned Not to Feed Kitchen Scraps to Animals - The Poultry Site

Bird Flu and the Backyard Poultry Keeper

I recall the morning of the 7th of December 2016 as being much like any other at that time of year. It was dark outdoors as I filled the kettle and switched on the radio. The weather had turned slightly mild and damp after a nice spell of icy cold weather. I remember thinking we …

Let sense prevail… incubators off.

As another breeding season draws to a close I find myself looking back over my hatching records, and the cross section of growers I have on the go. In front of me on the wall is a 'post-it' note that states “No Eggs To Be Set After End Of May”. It is in my son’s …

Chicken Nugget – The Dorking

Breed Name: Dorking Region of origin: United Kingdom  Profile: The Dorking is a very ancient British breed believed to have its ancestry rooted back in Roman Britain where five-toed Dorking like breeds were described in texts from AD 47. It is a very heavy breed but there is no evidence as yet to suggest that, as …

Guest blog from over the pond – Fencing for Chickens

Occasionally I receive content for the blog from folks around the web and this time I've been sent some fencing information care of Liz Greene. If you follow any of the columns I write for various magazines then you'll be familiar of my encounters with predators here in the UK, namely the fox, badger and …

Gardens & Chickens… Do they mix?

    I’m an avid gardener; in fact I’ve been gardening both in terms of flowers, fruit and vegetables since I fell out of a pram, I’m not a precious gardener though who needs everything in rows unless it’s in my vegetable plot. Call me old fashioned but I like my onions to all be …