I agree you have a very early and mild case of scaley leg mite Rick. We used to get Benzol Benzoate solution from the vet and we have bought the same here- it's used to treat scabies in humans. However it's not that successful and usually has to be repeated a few times. What does seem to work effect...

I think our layers pellets are 4% Calcium and growers/ rearers 1%, which are sold here for meat birds under the label of 'growth' or 'flesh'. I have no doubt that too much Calcium can overstretch the liver of the cock, as it has been reported on forums several times. We have had two deaths with symp...

Completed your survey. Few points though:- We have multiple small flocks not one single one. I've never heard the term 'heritage breeds'. 'Pedigree' is the term used (or 'pure race' in France), which includes La Fleche, Wyandottes, Orpingtons and dozens more. Most people get hybrids first, or rescue...

Wow Shadrach, you've hit all the nails on the head there! Problem with Brits is they think they know better than anyone else and soon they will learn otherwise. In the meantime we have chickens in the house as well- Winnie has 10 ½ years, is moulting in a most peculiar manner and feels the cold, so ...

Hi Seawaters and welcome to the forum. We have Leghorns and they are quite alarming when they moult- their combs shrink dramatically and turn almost white. In cold weather a little vaseline keeps them supple and prevents the skin from cracking. Their appetite does decrease at a time when they need t...

We have a lot of mushrooms as well Dinosaw, but only one variety so far. Found a huge yellow caterpillar on the lawn this morning- still alive but too cold to move. Turns out to be a Death's Head Hawk Moth. Haven't posted the photos because there are plenty come up on a Google search. I've moved it ...

We have drinkers very similar to Rick's photo. Ours are 8 litres and a bit heavy, but easy to clean and assemble. The only 'problem' was fitting the feet- they have to be pushed really hard down to lock properly as previously they kept falling off. Most of our drinkers are just plant pot bases thoug...

We used to give it on bread Rick. Measure out the required amount for the flock into a small bowl. Cut the crusts off a slice (or slices) of white and then cut it into half inch squares. Dip one end into it (if you soak the squares they fall apart) and put them all onto a plate. Then throw the whole...

There was a post on another site last year claiming that their vet had said giving layers to a cockerel was potentially very bad for their health. I seem to remember that it was given as the cause of the death of their cockerel. The person who posted never replied to the answers and so that was thei...

We had a large flock of young Wyandottes which contracted tapeworm Rick- puzzled at first what these white segments were lying around the run? The internet searches weren't then what they are now, so we tried Flubenvet with no effect whatsoever. In desperation (to avoid a vet callout) a week later t...