As we finally reach spring, is this the year that you make your hen keeping dream a reality? If you have always imagined yourself with a little flock in your back garden but have been scared to take the leap, then here are some top tips to get you started.
Like caring for any animal, hen keeping is a commitment, but you can make it far easier by doing your research beforehand. Then you can focus on the 'hen zen' experience that comes with collecting eggs for your brekkie once your flock have settled.
CHOOSING YOUR FEATHERED FRIENDS
Before you set out to buy your hens, make sure you decide the best breed for you. Consider your priorities, whether it's the look of the hen (for showing potential), the size, laying reliability or temperament then a hen breeder will be able to advise you.
In peak laying periods, hens will produce anything from four to five eggs a week up to seven for a top performer! You can quickly have a surplus of eggs if your flock size is too large for the number of eggs you require.
FLOCK SIZE AND SPACE
Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2023 de The Country Smallholder.
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Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2023 de The Country Smallholder.
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How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
