The Kitchen Garden

May/June 2006

This is the loveliest time of the year in the garden and in the chicken run. The fine Spring weather turns thoughts to hatching, but please think carefully before letting your hens sit on eggs this year. Do you really want to enlarge your flock? Will you have space for them all to live amicably under cover should Defra decree that disease precautions must be carried out?

Our flocks rub along nicely because they have plenty of space and lots to do. Hens do not behave so well when stressed and with nowhere to escape from nasty neighbours. The birds at the bottom of the pecking order have a miserable time if there are many others pecking and picking on them. Imagine how they would fare in close quarters with an over-amorous cockerel. He would obviously need a bachelor flat nearby.

I hate to sound a note of gloom at such a glorious time of the year and to be such a killjoy, but a little extra thought now, could mean happier times for us all later, especially if we can get permission to derogate and vaccinate all pet poultry.

WHAT'S ON

COURSES

Knowing your Onions - October 18th at 10am to 3.30pm with Francine Raymond & Penelope Hands. Growing and cooking unusual vegetables. Design your kitchen garden, choose yourseed and plants and you will harvest, cook and eat your own produce. On-site advice for beginners and know-alls alike. Sample a selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables for lunch. £75.00 including a delicious home-cooked lunch and wine.

Cheque payment in full required on booking please. Refunds (minus £20.00 admin charge) offered for cancellatons within a month of the course date, but we suggest if you can't make it you try to find a friend to take your place. If we have to cancel, you will of course receive a full refund.

Call 01359 268322 to book places on the above courses.

JOIN THE HENKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION

A website-based information/advice service. To support those who keep poultry; to lobby for the vaccination of small garden flocks; to protect our hens and families from avian flu. Subscribe (£25.00 for 5 years) on line at www.henkeepersassociation.co.uk or join on the day and HELP US KEEP THE HOBBY ALIVE.