Spring is fast approaching, but don't be fooled into lower the food volume or removing the extra bedding from your coops just yet... mid february and it's still snowing in not-so-sunny Wiltshire today!

You should see some improvement in egg production soon, and some of your birds may be flaunting themselves hoping to attract a new mate!

Make sure you still check for frozen water, birds can dehydrate even in the cold.

Now is a good time before the breeding season / heavy egg laying season to give your birds a good old health MOT.

Fleas, Lice and Mites are present around the vent and can be removed with frontline or similar, Verm-X will take care of internal nasties, and a good sprinkle of red mite powder will keep the coop and birds free from the nasty red mite.

The ESSENTIALS

Accommodation should be dry, warm and protected from predators. If you don't fancy splashing out on an expensive coop - buy a cheap shed! If you're planning on keeping just one or two birds, a rabbit hutch rasied off the floor is perfect also! So long as you protect your birds from danger, draft and damp you'll be OK.

Feed. We sell good quality GM free layers pellets. Feed containers should be protected from wild bird contamination. Check out our shop for the hardwaring, economical range. As a rule, I only stock "what you need" rather than lots of equipment that isn't essential. You can feed them a mix of pellet, mash, corn. If you're unsure of scrap feeding, then just Ask!

Water containers should be covered to prevent contamination. 3 hens will drink approx. 1 liter of water between them per day. More on warmer days. We stock good quality, anti-perch containers. Once a week make sure the water containers are given a good thorough wash and rinse. More often if you have a larger number of birds sharing.

Welcome to 2010

The new year is upon us, and here at Little Misses Chickens are scrambling madly towards some semblance of normality. We decided this year (or rather end of last) that we would close over the winter. So other than the odd customer picking some of our more non standard birds, and taking in lots of cockerels that needed rehoming - we've been fairly sedentry on the bird front.

We have around 400 birds arriving February and March, and the barn will once more be emptied of junk (or in this case horse jumps and a broken dishwasher) and will be converted again into a broody barn.

Following a very successful Christmas ordering program we set up - ie not selling birds as gifts, but selling them as a gift voucher for Spring - we have already sold many of the new birds, and are looking to increase the variety to be more inclusive of peoples wants.

The other main change for 2010, will be the birds going on the field as opposed to the gardens. I'll have still my lovely bantams close to the house - as even the ones I sell are still like pets to me, and the hybrid layers will enjoy padding around with the horses. It will also ensure I can utilise the electric fencing more efficiantly and zapp the bejesus out of any foxes!

New Stock Lines for 2010

New for 2010 - bird tables, feeders and poultry housing.

Using local craftsmen, we have developed a lovely range of bespoke poultry housing. Each piece can be tailored to fit your personal requirements - whether that's decorative work, or more practical double flooring for chickens and ducks - whatever the requirement we can accommodate.

We also have a range of fully recycled pieces, made using sheds, reclaimed wood and dog kennels. Each piece will be photographed as it's made, and made available for sale. They are crafted, so sturdy and fully treated before sale, and again can be customised for your garden.

Runs are available for all.

We also have a selection of locally made bird houses, bird feeders and dove cotes available from March onwards!