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Your poultry questions answered

7:40am Monday 21st January 2013

Have you got a poultry question for our Smallholder magazine experts to answer? Email your questions to: editorial@smallholder.co.uk

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How do I start to rug my young pony?

5:00am Saturday 27th October 2012

Normally I would start with a flannel all over the body moving up to a towel and so on until I get to a fleece rug, is this the way forward with an Exmoor who was born on the moor? Or should I approach it differently? I don’t plan to rug him all year but I do want to get him used to wearing one if necessary.

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Point of lay hens problem - we answer!

12:55pm Thursday 20th September 2012

I’ve recently purchased six hybrid pol pullets and have had them two weeks. So far I have only had soft shelled eggs and today one of them has one eye closed and cannot stand. What shall I do?

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I was wondering if you could help me. How long do recently purchased adult runner ducks need to be kept in their run before release?

2:31pm Friday 14th September 2012

Chris Aston replies The answer is (as it usually does), that it depends. It depends on their age and behaviour which will be based on their previous circumstances, as well as yourself and the area they are kept in . Personally, we keep birds in a securely fenced area to exclude dogs and foxes. Pig netting is not secure because it will let the ducks out through the holes.

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You Answer - how to make 'easy' home made bread on your smallholding

11:34am Monday 30th July 2012

 Last month Liz Wright (Editor) said she would make bread if only she had time. C Roberts has written to say why not try the easy way – the so-called Doris Grant way!

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Does electric fencing on the smallholding have to be a complete circuit?

7:40pm Thursday 5th July 2012

No! … this is the most common misconception in regards to electric fencing. Luckily electric fencing can run for miles in one direction if so desired and doesn’t have to come back to itself.

• electric fencing direct
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How long do chicks need heat?

6:30pm Monday 2nd July 2012

Until they are feathered enough to withstand the climate. Gradually raise the heat lamp, checking all the time that they are not huddling under it (too cold). Turn it off on warm days and then on warm days and nights until finally you transfer the chicks to a sheltered and safe house and run, draught free but well ventilated. Continue to check they are not huddling. Remember ducklings too will need heat when they are in down (yellow and fluffy).

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When is the best time to check the power in your fence?

2:20pm Friday 29th June 2012

You may not like it but the best time to check an electric fence is when it is raining!

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Do I need a cockerel for my hens to lay eggs?

9:38pm Monday 25th June 2012

No, you don't, your hens will lay regardless of whether the eggs are fertile or not. If you don't breed and you want to dispense with noisy crowing, then don't have a cockerel. It's particularly unnecessary to have a cockerel if you are keeping hybrid hens for laying.

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British Asparagus Festival Cancelled Due To Lack Of Early Asparagus

12:55pm Thursday 3rd May 2012

This weekend’s (6 and 7 May) British Asparagus Festival has been cancelled due to a severe shortage of asparagus being available. The incessant rain and floods has had a double whammy on Worcestershire’s quirky festival that normally sees thousands descending on the Vale of Evesham over the festival period.

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