The government announced the following guidelines to bird keepers yesterday: Due to a significant increase in AI cases in kept & wild birds, AIPZ with mandatory housing measures to protect poultry & captive birds will come into force from 00.01 on 30 October. This will apply to all keepers of over 50 birds & all keepers…

One of my hens has laid a tiny egg, about the size of a £1 coin.  Is this normal? These tiny round eggs are nothing to worry about and are known as ‘fairy eggs’, wind eggs or cock eggs.  They occur when the hen’s body begins to form an egg before the yolk is released.…

One of the lovely sights of Spring is seeing newly hatched chicks.  Whilst raising them is enjoyable and highly rewarding, it’s important that their specific needs are met to ensure they grow into happy, healthy laying hens. Providing optimum nutrition from the Smallholder Range and the right environment is key to giving your chicks the…

It is an exciting time when you bring home your new chickens to start your own free-range flock! To get them in their best condition and ready to lay and keep well throughout the seasons, here are some points to consider as a new hen owner: Let your hens out soon after sun-up and bed…