Recent content by daveyp

Hi, We've been keeping chickens now for a few years and the kids have outgrown the trampoline! I was thinking that the space (about 9M sq) may be usable for 3 Indian Runners (females, as I want eggs!) becuase they look cool and I understand they can be quite friendly. Before commiting to this...

Hi, I think that I need to build a new nest box if we get 2 new girls? We have 3 chooks currently and think we have the run room for 2 more new girls (19M SQ total size) but if we get them, I think we need an extra nest box. They currently have an "A" frame house with a single nest box...

Hi, My neighbour works for a local brewer and reckons that one of his staff gives the dried malt (after a quick soak in water) to his chooks on a regular basis. Anyone out there got any experience of chooks eating malt? How much (if any) should they have? Is it Ok as additional treat - much...

Hi, After losing Daisy a few weeks back (mareks seems to be the favourite diagnosis), we now have a poorly looking Speckledy (about 2 yrs old)! Fortunately, totally different symptons. (Bit of a worry though, as 3 new girls arrived yesterday - fully seperated at the minute though). She is...

Hi, 1 of our girls died suddenly last night. She is a 20 month old Goldline Hybrid who has pretty much layed an egg a day since she started. She will be missed. Can anybody offer any suggestions as to cause and therefore possible risk to our other 2 girls (and our brougt forward new arrivals...

Hi, We have had chucks for nearly a year now and as "pets with benefits" :D they seem to have taken us over, but the kids (& wife) are pushing for a couple of rabbits (cuddly, cute, playful) as well as my 3 girls (independant, characterful, lay eggs, make the garden look a mess) :lol: ! Has...

Hi, Our girl Specky seems poorly! Puffed up, tail down, head tucked in. Has laid odd for last 3 days- no egg yesterday, in the run with no proper shell day before and an egg with no shell just a fairly strong membrane today. (Felt like Jelly. Inside of "egg" it was perfectly normal)...

Newby is concerned! We have had our 3 girls for just over 2 weeks now (POL Hybrids) and at some point all have had runny poo, but the other 2 cleared over a day or 2 after starting, the 3rd is taking longer to get over it. It hasn't been since we got them! The other 2 seem "normal" - firm...

Hi, We are determined to start keeping 3 chickens in our back garden, but are confused by the amount of space they need. (3 hybrid layers). They will be kept in the pen all day most days mid week - but will be allowed out evenings and most of the day on weekends and when we are at home. We...