Feeding your chooks

In  Jessamy Miller's article ‘Chicken Feed’ in Issue 124 we covered buying pellets or ready-mixed grain feeds for poultry. But if you want to go further, mixing your own feed means you know exactly what you are giving your hens and it could save you money.

Bee friendly planting

Planting flowers that honey bees love is a win-win, writes Penny Woodward – they get pollen and you get a healthy harvest! Here's Penny's suggestions, which will tempt bees into your garden.

Hen health checklist

Observation is the key to success not only in your garden but for keeping your chooks healthy, writes Jessamy Miller.      

Heritage hens

The top performers of yesteryear, heritage poultry breeds are slow-growing, long-laying and one of the keys to our long-term food security, writes Jessamy Miller. 

Can you feed your chooks on insects alone?

Chooks love foraging for bugs in the garden, but poultry can’t live on insects alone, and some invertebrates are better choices than others. Our chook expert, Jessamy Miller, talks snails, worms and slugs.

Spring poultry care

Spring is a delightful time in the poultry yard with hens back on the lay and, for those who keep a rooster, perhaps even chicks to enjoy. These tips from Jessamy Miller will help you make the most of this time.

Get the native bee buzz

Denis Crawford explores the world of native bees and how we can help provide food for them. A good starting point is to see what you can plant in your garden that will attract them to your patch.

Buying chooks? Here’s some tips

If you are new to chook keeping, or thinking about adding some hens to your house, Jessamy Miller knows what to look for.

Caring for chooks in winter

Winter chills and short days will have an effect on your chooks, writes Jessamy Miller.

Happy hydrated hens

Hot weather makes life difficult for everyone, including chooks. Jessamy Miller has some tips to help keep them cool.

Small space chicken keeping

It’s possible to keep chickens even in a handkerchief sized backyard if you use the space wisely and pick the right type of fowl.

Keeping your chooks safe

Jessamy Miller explains how to keep pathogens and other nasties away from your poultry.

Raising rare poultry

Rare poultry breeds are well worth your time, writes Jessamy Miller.

Bee protected

Is your fear of being stung holding you back from keeping bees? Kelly Lees explains how you can care for your bees safely.

A Turkey Tale

Jessamy Miller tells of the pleasures and pitfalls of raising baby turkeys.