I wish they would show 'Beechgrove Gardens' - my daughter in Scotland says it's a proper gardening programme.

I only let my pekins free-range - and they can't fly very high - about 2 foot or so.

No, I don't know how the little chicks got on after they were hatched....they looked healthy enough so no reason why they wouldn't grow up ok. Wish there was a follow up. Not sure if they would have both hatched ok - as I don't think there would have been room to manoevre correctly.

They didn't work for me - I had some in pots next to my aviary but the cats just went to sleep amongst them.

If I hadn't seen this with my own eyes - I would never have believed it possible - http://www.pekinbantams.com/community/l ... 1ZeEY-kt7A

How exciting. We have two cats at the moment . I'd suggest getting a cat scratching post, or two, and encourage the cat to use the post, rather than the corner of your favourite sofa. You can do this by rubbing a little bit of catmint onto the scratching post. You'll need a litter tray and I'd sugge...

They do it, because they can

I have the same problem and have now given up............I just take out the soiled nestbox bedding first thing. Some chooks like to roost and some like to snuggle.

I'd suggest - have a good look at each hen before you buy. Check for clear eyes and clean nostrils and with smooth legs showing no signs of scaley leg. Listen to them breathing - no rattles or coughs. Watch them walking and feeding - make sure they are moving freely. Worm them all when you get them ...

My run used to be grass too - but it soon became bare and smelly, like yours. It is now paved with slabs and topped with a layer of straw for the chickens to scratch around in. Once a week it all gets scraped out, hosed down, and fresh straw put down. I did leave one small area clear for a dustbath ...

My cats are terrified of my chickens - even the free ranging pekins The little pekins are very territorial and will chase anything that ventures close - blackbirds, cats, sparrows etc.

When one of the pekins had chicks she used to scream at the cats and go for them with a vengeance.

My pekin bantams are good layers - really pretty birds and very sociable.

I just love the Chilterns seed catalogue.

I have three large maran ladies and they definitely appreciate their ramp up to their henhouse. I think the ground would register a small earthquake if they tried to jump up, although it's not very high. They aren't fat btw - just a tad stately

I give my chicks small grit from about 4 weeks onwards - as that is the time when I start to add a few greens to their diet.

Sounds lovely - don't worry about the cats - the chooks will soon sort them out.

Go easy on the slugs though - as slugs can carry gapeworm eggs, which turn into horrible gapeworms which will block the hens' trachea.

I'd just stick to pellets, fresh water and greens, etc.