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Hello all, I've not been on for a while - this summer has been EXTRA busy. I hope everyone is well and their poultry too.
I have 15 birds now, time for some to go, and have been showing a lot (for me) this summer, which I wouldn't call 'fun' - it probably fits into the 'experience' slot! Washing and drying birds before a show takes me hours!
I had some good hatches this year from my own eggs and also helped some friends by raising their goslings in my shed under a bulb. They have to be the cutest birds ever. Hoping to enjoy them later this year ;-).
I don't know why but I've had little disease this year. Possibly because I haven't brought new birds in, or eggs. Scaly mite on one hen but that's it (as far as I can see). The wet here is awful though, I've had to spread limestone chippings down so they can walk somewhere that drains well. Also laid some new turf for them after clearing some old blackcurrant bushes and nettle stands. Sounds mad, but grass seed has no chance to get away, even covered with weld mesh frames!
I hope to reduce the flock by a third, and hatch more next spring. I even come to love my roosters (even more than my hens!).
If I don't get on here again before the festivities commence, happy Christmas all!
C
I have 15 birds now, time for some to go, and have been showing a lot (for me) this summer, which I wouldn't call 'fun' - it probably fits into the 'experience' slot! Washing and drying birds before a show takes me hours!
I had some good hatches this year from my own eggs and also helped some friends by raising their goslings in my shed under a bulb. They have to be the cutest birds ever. Hoping to enjoy them later this year ;-).
I don't know why but I've had little disease this year. Possibly because I haven't brought new birds in, or eggs. Scaly mite on one hen but that's it (as far as I can see). The wet here is awful though, I've had to spread limestone chippings down so they can walk somewhere that drains well. Also laid some new turf for them after clearing some old blackcurrant bushes and nettle stands. Sounds mad, but grass seed has no chance to get away, even covered with weld mesh frames!
I hope to reduce the flock by a third, and hatch more next spring. I even come to love my roosters (even more than my hens!).
If I don't get on here again before the festivities commence, happy Christmas all!
C
Just summoned the enthusiasm to go out and test it a few times, and it's stopping where it should. Tonight I'll know for sure. 
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