In order to promote feather- growth I have now introduced more protein to the chickens feed. Although my offering of freshly- dug big juicy worms has been rejected by one who need them the most...they are snatched by hens with a higher IQ.

Thanks Jane, nature does seem a little odd at times. I am breaking the ice on the water container and my chook is running around semi-naked !

Over the last few months one of my chickens has lost feathers on both her wings. She does not seem to be pecked or troubled with mites.She is quite lively,laying and eating well. Why should she continue to be featherless on her wings, particularly now that the cold weather is due?. Any suggestions w...

Many thanks for reply...I was rather hoping that the chickens(who arrive next week) would not do too much damage to my blackcurrants. I think it better if I site my run on another part of the garden! Just come in from the garden after a session of hanging-on for dear life, to my rotavator. soil.... ...

:?: As a newcomer to keeping chickens I was thinking about allowing them to roam amoungst my blackcurrant bushes. Is this a sensible idea?

[quote="hilary"]Hi, Joy Larkcom in her book 'Grow your Own Vegetables' lists plants for 'fairly damp gound', provided not waterlogged as celeriac, celery, chicory (red), chinese cabbage, corn salad, fennel (florence) leeks, lettuce and mizuna greens and sorrel. Hope this helps. Hilary[/quo...

my wife has noticed numerous small orange raised spots on the leaves of her raspberry plants,Please can anyone identify this problem and possible suggest a cure? thanks.