Bring in the bees

There's heaps to do in the summer garden, including encouraging bees to visit and stay. Our horticultural experts have some tips to help you take care of these precious pollinators.

Raising chicks naturally

While the mother hen has the lead role in the chicken-raising show, Jessamy Millers says there are steps owners can take to ensure chicks are robust and healthy.

Feathered friends

Chooks provide many things from fresh eggs to fertiliser for your garden, and they can even become feathered friends to the family, writes Jessamy Miller.

Choosing a chook house

Life is much richer in this Melbourne household with a few chooks added to the mix – here's some tips to help make a home for chickens so everyone is happy.

Why is my hen not laying?

A question chook owners often ask is: why aren't my hens laying? Read on for possible solutions.

Feeding your chooks

If you want to mix your own feed you will 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 – they get pollen and you get a healthy harvest! These plants 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.

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.

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 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 will help you make the most of this time.

Get the native bee buzz

Explore 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.