https://gardenandgossip.org/ Sat, 02 May 2026 03:19:07 +0000 MyBB https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2336 Sat, 19 Apr 2025 17:28:05 +0000 SarrissUK]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2336
We decided to put our future flock of hens in the barn, as it stays warmer over winter, and has running water and electricity. The far left corner of the barn where cows once were milked, we have cornered off a space with some spare wood and chicken wire. Jay has built a door and the framework, and we've worked on the lovely nesting boxes together. I'll post pics when it's finished. We've probably spent a good six working days on it so far, and we're really quite chuffed with it, considering neither of us are builders or carpenters lol]]>
We decided to put our future flock of hens in the barn, as it stays warmer over winter, and has running water and electricity. The far left corner of the barn where cows once were milked, we have cornered off a space with some spare wood and chicken wire. Jay has built a door and the framework, and we've worked on the lovely nesting boxes together. I'll post pics when it's finished. We've probably spent a good six working days on it so far, and we're really quite chuffed with it, considering neither of us are builders or carpenters lol]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=981 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 12:27:17 +0000 Scarlet]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=981 I have no neighbours that live nearby that keep chickens either.

Yesterday I found a chickens egg in the lawn buried by a tree. It looked like there was a little hole made for it and it had been revealed by strimming the grass in that area.

I was a bit curious and cracked it open - just to smell  as I couldn't believe it had laid there to rest for a few years. It was fresh!

So just this morning I'm clearing a patch of long grass and crap from an area where I want to put my sweet peas....and there's another one?!!

Answers on a postcard please.....




How far will a fox carry an egg?

  A6A75789-0CA4-4768-9603-AA85AF09A080.jpeg (Size: 518.88 KB / Downloads: 29) ]]> I have no neighbours that live nearby that keep chickens either.

Yesterday I found a chickens egg in the lawn buried by a tree. It looked like there was a little hole made for it and it had been revealed by strimming the grass in that area.

I was a bit curious and cracked it open - just to smell  as I couldn't believe it had laid there to rest for a few years. It was fresh!

So just this morning I'm clearing a patch of long grass and crap from an area where I want to put my sweet peas....and there's another one?!!

Answers on a postcard please.....




How far will a fox carry an egg?

  A6A75789-0CA4-4768-9603-AA85AF09A080.jpeg (Size: 518.88 KB / Downloads: 29) ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=839 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 10:39:08 +0000 PyreneesPlot]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=839
However MrPP needs some persuading ...

Honestly, what are the pros and cons? Especially the cons. Costs - how much do they eat, diseases, predation (we're surrounded by woods and see foxes and martens even in broad daylight). Are they more trouble than they're worth? They would probably be in a small run/hen house within a larger enclosure for when we're around, rather than roaming free. Our other neighbour was a small scale commercial free range egg producer, and kept a dog in with the hens to keep the foxes away, so this concerns me greatly.

And I'd like to combine young birds with re-hoaming battery hens.

With respect to the vegetarian members, I'm also pondering birds for the table as well as layers. Perhaps a Christmas goose?

Thanks as ever ]]>
However MrPP needs some persuading ...

Honestly, what are the pros and cons? Especially the cons. Costs - how much do they eat, diseases, predation (we're surrounded by woods and see foxes and martens even in broad daylight). Are they more trouble than they're worth? They would probably be in a small run/hen house within a larger enclosure for when we're around, rather than roaming free. Our other neighbour was a small scale commercial free range egg producer, and kept a dog in with the hens to keep the foxes away, so this concerns me greatly.

And I'd like to combine young birds with re-hoaming battery hens.

With respect to the vegetarian members, I'm also pondering birds for the table as well as layers. Perhaps a Christmas goose?

Thanks as ever ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=711 Tue, 15 Dec 2020 14:37:06 +0000 Broadway]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=711 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-le...e-55315242]]> https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-le...e-55315242]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=642 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:49:00 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=642 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influe...ity-advice
If you keep poultry, have a look at the map and see if there are near you. Be vigilant.]]> https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influe...ity-advice
If you keep poultry, have a look at the map and see if there are near you. Be vigilant.]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=504 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 14:41:20 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=504
Henmergency rehome
12th September
These are just some of the 2500 hens we are due to rehome on 12th September, a date we have stepped in at the last minute to help with to ensure the slaughter lorry is cancelled.
These hens live in colony cages and will never have experienced the conditions your back garden hens take for granted - the sun on their backs; scratching in the ground for bugs; running down the garden when they see you emerge from the back door; nibbling on fresh, sweet grass.
If you want to be part in helping them experience ALL their 'firsts', please complete the waiting list form on our website for one of the following collection points. We will need to see and approve photos of your hen accommodation and receive your donation (£2.50 per hen). Both these conditions must be met in advance of collection and we will be operating on a first come first served basis. https://freshstartforhens.co.uk/



I've offered a home to 3 hens - to keep Mrs Brown company. Just have to wait to see whether I'm a suitable "parent".  ]]>
Henmergency rehome
12th September
These are just some of the 2500 hens we are due to rehome on 12th September, a date we have stepped in at the last minute to help with to ensure the slaughter lorry is cancelled.
These hens live in colony cages and will never have experienced the conditions your back garden hens take for granted - the sun on their backs; scratching in the ground for bugs; running down the garden when they see you emerge from the back door; nibbling on fresh, sweet grass.
If you want to be part in helping them experience ALL their 'firsts', please complete the waiting list form on our website for one of the following collection points. We will need to see and approve photos of your hen accommodation and receive your donation (£2.50 per hen). Both these conditions must be met in advance of collection and we will be operating on a first come first served basis. https://freshstartforhens.co.uk/



I've offered a home to 3 hens - to keep Mrs Brown company. Just have to wait to see whether I'm a suitable "parent".  ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=233 Sun, 14 Jun 2020 08:54:24 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=233
Hatching ducks from supermarket eggs!!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-be...s-52838747]]>
Hatching ducks from supermarket eggs!!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-be...s-52838747]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=194 Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:36:11 +0000 Small chilli]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=194  .


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  E137150E-73A2-4672-9206-55A9789E823F.jpeg (Size: 399.38 KB / Downloads: 35) ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=105 Sat, 23 May 2020 16:14:36 +0000 Neffa]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=105 I need some help and advice so I can either buy a house and run or bully my friend (who is very creative, practical and has loads of wood - think hoarder) into building me something to fit the place I’ve decided is right. 
X]]> I need some help and advice so I can either buy a house and run or bully my friend (who is very creative, practical and has loads of wood - think hoarder) into building me something to fit the place I’ve decided is right. 
X]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=62 Wed, 20 May 2020 20:58:01 +0000 Small chilli]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=62

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  3FCF5A58-BA91-4FD8-9DD3-47D100E40090.jpeg (Size: 546.2 KB / Downloads: 48) ]]>