Feeding Quail
Quail are popular birds to keep for their delicious eggs. They will usually come into lay at approximately 8-12 weeks of age. Really productive strains of Japanese or Coturnix quail as they are sometimes called can lay up to 300 eggs in a year, but for this level of egg production they do require the correct […]
Feeding Geese for the Table
From hatching to 3-4 weeks of age goslings should be fed on Goose / Duck Starter Crumbs to get them off to a good start. Goslings will instinctively want to graze and grass should be made available to them, this can be provided in the form of a section of turf if the goslings are kept […]
Beginners Guide to Keeping Turkeys
In this beginners guide to keeping turkeys, Janice Houghton-Wallace, the author of “Not Just for Christmas”, offers some tips and advice for newcomers to the fascinating world of keeping heritage turkeys at home.
Impacted Crop
The crop is part of the oesophagus (food pipe) at the base of the neck and is the first stage of digestion for a chicken, it contains food, water and grit (used for digestion). When full, the crop is a tennis ball sized. You can sometimes feel the contents of the crop when handling chickens […]
Gapeworm
Gapeworms (Syngamus trachea) are included under ‘respiratory system’ since the adult worms reside in the trachea (or windpipe) and often produce a gurgling or ‘tracheal rattle’ that can be confused with respiratory problems. Gapeworm is common in pheasants but also affects chickens, guinea fowl and turkeys. Gapeworms can cause considerable losses in pheasants and turkeys. Gasping for […]
Incubation Troubleshooting Guide
When things don’t go quite according to plan, try using this incubation troubleshooting guide to work out what went wrong.
Self Sufficiency Hen Keeping Book Review
Self Sufficiency Hen Keeping by Mike Hatcher is one of a number of new books I have seen appear on the shelves recently and I decided it was time to read it and let you know what I thought. More and more people are starting to keep chickens and if that’s you, as a beginner, you will find this book contains everything you need to know to get started.
Not Just For Christmas Book Review
It wasn’t until last year that I picked up the name of Janice Houghton-Wallace (founder of the UK Turkey Club incidentally) whilst reading an article she had written and I wondered whether I should investigate further to see whether she had any books published on keeping Turkeys. Well, I wasn’t disappointed, she had a book called ‘Not Just For Christmas’ which has now been added to my ever-growing collection of poultry books.
Keeping Ducks and Geese Book Review
Keeping Ducks and Geese by Chris and Mike Ashton certainly doesn’t disappoint. Just like “Keeping Chickens”, it is very well presented with excellent colour photos and diagrams and it is packed with useful information.
Keeping Chickens Book Review
Having read quite a number of books on the various aspects of keeping chickens, a book that says it’s for the beginner and more experienced keeper alike usually makes me raise an eyebrow. Will there really be anything new I can learn from this book? Well in one word YES!
RCOM 20 Incubator Review
Review of the RCOM 20 Incubator, available in three different models. I tested the RCOM with both chicken and duck eggs, and here’s what I found.
What Housing Do Turkeys Need?
A garden shed is ideal for turkeys to live in. For example a trio of turkeys in a small 6 x 8 foot shed would be fine. Try to allow enough extra space to be able to keep them in during the day if the weather is bad. Heritage or Standard Turkeys are very hardy […]
Will Turkeys Stop Laying Eggs if they Fill the Nest?
Ahen turkey depending on her variety, can lay something like 50 to 75 eggs in a year. Once she starts to lay, you may want to collect eggs to eat (they are excellent for eating and baking), or to incubate using an incubator, or by using a broody hen or turkey. A frequent question is what […]
A Complete Guide to Chicken Nesting Boxes
Everything you need to know about chicken nesting boxes. Building, buying, dimensions, how many per chicken, broken eggs & stopping hens sleeping in nest boxes.
A Day in the Life of a BHWT Rescue Coordinator
The British Hen Welfare Trust has rescued and re-homed over 120’000 ex-battery hens (as of January 2009), that is hens that have reached the end of their useful life in battery farming. This article describes a typical day of a battery hen rescue co-ordinator and is reproduced with kind permission from the British Hen Welfare […]
Frostbite or Frozen Comb
Frostbite or a frozen comb usually affects the male of breeds with larger combs, the Leghorn being a classic example. It causes the tips of the comb to turn black and in time, drop off. Fertility during the next season can be affected although in mild cases doesn’t seem to be a problem. Hens will usually […]
About Eggs: A Guide to the Inside of an Egg
Eggs come in a variety of sizes and are commonly available in almost every country around the world. This article tells you everything you need to know about the inside of an egg.
Foxes: Poultry Predator #1?
Mr Fox has to be every poultry keeper’s number one enemy. Sadly, many people have lost their chickens or other poultry to a fox. When it happens, it can be devastating.
Guinea Fowl with Garlic and Rosemary
Guinea fowl with garlic and rosemary isn’t difficult to cook and makes a great alternative to chicken. It has a slightly gamey taste, but this is very subtle and not as strong as pheasant. Garlic and rosemary work extremely well with this flavoursome meat
Using Repellent to Stop Foxes
To keep foxes away, some people have used animal repellents successfully. Just like dogs, foxes have a highly developed sense of smell and use scenting from urine and faeces to mark their territory. A range of approved products are available from garden centres and DIY stores that will work with foxes. These should always be […]