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 …

Archers’ storyline helps to boost festive goose sales at free-range poultry farm (From The Northern Echo)

A LONG-RUNNING radio drama has helped to boost sales of geese for the Christmas table at a North-East poultry farm. Source: Archers' storyline helps to boost festive goose sales at free-range poultry farm (From The Northern Echo)

Oswestry Poultry Auction 25th April – Market Report

OSWESTRY POULTRY AUCTION SATURDAY 25TH APRIL 2015 MARKET REPORT   The weather report for the weekend wasn’t good, with the fine sunny weather reported to be turning cold and wet. It was certainly cooler but the rain stayed away in the main. The other thing that was cooler was the volume of birds entered. A …

Chicken Nugget – Eclipse Plumage

In wild forms of the chicken such as the Red Jungle Fowl a moult can occur in two stages effectively giving the impression of two moults. It is particularly evident in the males. Firstly they will moult their brightly coloured body and head feathers replacing them with more subdued tones more akin to the females. …

10 things you wanted to know about chickens but were afraid to ask – 9#

More space doesn't always mean better welfare A stimulating debate was aired recently on BBC Countryfile which then spilt over on to various websites, agriculture press and social media. It wasn’t a humdinger but because there was a chicken element involved that I found myself following it quite closely, and became interested in the questions …

10 things you wanted to know about chickens but were afraid to ask – 4#

ASSISTING IN A HATCH Hatching season is now upon us and if you decide to try your hand at hatching this year for the first time then the first rule of thumb is ‘sit on your hands’ during the process. Many folks find their first venture into incubator hatching doesn’t quite turn out as it …

Hicks Waterfowl Retirement Sale – the list!

BE AWARE : Due to the volume of attendees & a poor weather forecast this sale will now be taking place at Oswestry Showground (SY11 4AB will bring you close to but not exactly to the showground so look out for the road signs) Some of you might have read about the retirement of Graham Hicks, …

Free-range poultry diseases & disorders

Husbandry of poultry is very much 'by eye' and only by spending time around your flock will you pick up on potential problems.  Chickens, like many of the avian species are very good at disguising illness, which is quite possibly a survival mechanism to mitigate the risk of predation. Sick birds may emerge from the coop in a flurry …

Chicken nugget – Muscovy duck (ok, its not a chicken either)

The Muscovy is one of those birds you cannot fail to notice and often it can bring out mixed responses in terms of admiration because of its distinctive looks. Originally fromSouth America this duck is unlike the others we see today as it originated from the wild Musk Duck and not the wild Mallard, consequently …

Poultry Auctions: An opinion from all angles?

Mention “Poultry Auctions” to people in the poultry world and it can often draw a mixed bag of responses. Some will vehemently claim they are to be avoided at all costs as they are places where disease and poor quality stock are peddle by ruthless traders. Others will stand up for them as being a place where …