If you’ve seen my last couple of articles in The Country Smallholder, I’ve focused a lot on urging readers to have a go at showing their much-treasured chickens. Although it’s an engaging and rewarding experience, it can still be quite nervy when dipping your toe into the water. But what I would say is that, now more than ever, show societies will really appreciate any enthusiasm that comes in the form of entries at their events. Showing is a fantastic way to learn about the breed(s) you keep, and to be in amongst like-minded individuals. The last five years have been devastating for the show scene and pure breed numbers, so support is very much needed.
Remember also, that it’s not only newcomers who get nervous about showing. Recent chats with ‘seasoned exhibitors’ suggest that a few years without shows - and the normality of it all - will take a bit of getting used to. You might feel nervous that your chickens don’t fully conform to their breed’s standard, but then a respected and decorated exhibitor has the [perceived] pressure of showing stock to the same standard they did in the past. It’s not necessarily easy, particularly for those who keep and show large chickens, because the big shows are now earlier in the year for their comeback events, and it’s difficult to have youngsters mature enough in time.
SIGNIFICANT SHOWS FOR POULTRY ENTHUSIASTS
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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
