I think Pom and Bonnie are showing a slight glimmer of red in their combs. No-one has checked out the nest boxes yet though.

The worst place I go to for air pollution (not like I go there for it!) is Birmingham center. That's traffic, of course. London too. Its a great place but getting off the train when I get back its amazing how fresh the air is here in comparison. Flat, grey with a bit of wind and slight dampness here...

I absolutely sympathise with your predicament Sandrine. Freely admit to being a 'softie' when it comes to my own chickens although do heed the reasons and responsibilities for taking hard decisions when necessary (when that is necessary can only ever be a matter of informed judgement for the keeper,...

Rick, I think the risk of silver leaf infection applies to plum and cherry trees, which should only be pruned in the warmer months. Most of the advice on pruning apples says do it when they're dormant, in winter. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=90 That's fair enough Marigold. The risk...

First morning of frozen drinkers here. Its not really possible to prune full standard apple trees in any major way LadyA. Of course, its possible to train apple trees from young into a form you can prune and keep easy to harvest i.e. fanned out low on wires, but once they develop into 'standards' th...

All I can remember is the bit about 'Almighty Fred.' Does anyone know 'The tale of E***** N**'? Dad would refer to it but then always said it was too rude to repeat. All we managed to get out of him was: '....As cold as a frog in an ice bound pool. As cold as the end of an Eskimo's tool ....' ... Ah...

Anything that doesn't dribble up your arm sounds good to good to me. Will try all! We kind of like the crispy bits round the edges though :) Dad was from Staffordshire and kind of passed this down. Thought they were secret but obviously the word got out! I have never tried making a omelette and roll...

The only reason for the producers needing to put a few pence (or cents) on the price of a box of eggs must be to recoup the development cost. After that it should be a huge saving. Anyone who breeds hens (for eggs or meat or fine birds) has that chore to do - sooner or later - completely unavoidable...

Just saw 'Life of Pi' on TV. Still thing sexing eggs a good idea though!

At the risk of being controversial then it’s alright to kill millions of growing embryos but not a full time chick? Sounds like an ongoing controversy about ................................... ! About what Hen Gen? Abortion maybe? I doubt the Pope will have any problem with this one! It was never p...