Smallholder's Own Top Tips

If you have just a few sheep for whatever reason, you may just like them around the place as I do, or for wool, grazing or lambs.  I find that by far the easiest way to catch them is to get them used to you and friendly.  It is no good chasing a few sheep around your field, they always win as they are fitter, and definitely not stupid!  Even the wildest of mountain sheep, get used to coming to and following you if you feed them in winter, and now and again in the summer, or as I do, tempt them into an area of special, fresh grass.  I keep a little part of the garden where I can shear or worm or whatever.
Mrs D C Ellis, Llangollen

Thank you for the Smallholder Club Update.  I was interested to read about the pecking order in poultry.  When I have had reason to put hens in with other birds, after they have been away for some time e.g rearing their chicks, I wait until after dark and gently put the hen on the perches next to the other hens.  By daylight, after they have been snuggling up together, they all smell alike, and the stranger hasn't been noticed.  I use this method when buying in new hens, and it never fails.
Mrs J Conliffe, Doncaster