On 4 January 2017 the Scottish Government announced that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will remain in force until 00:01 on 28 February 2017, maybe longer. As part of the requirements of the zone, all poultry and captive birds in Scotland must be kept indoors or otherwise kept separate from wild birds, and bird keepers must also apply heightened biosecurity measures where practical.

So you have followed all the guidelines and are now faced with bird struggling with boredom?

Here are some

Hello All,

So do you all check to see if your fences are working properly do you use a friend then wonder when you ask for help with a fencing problem do they suddenly become very busy or just find out when the animals have escaped that it is not....If you do check them how do you do it?

Touch and jump back?

Get someone else to?

Or use a fence tester?

If like me you are a wimp and use a tester ( the best option really) then this blog is for you.

KV10 LED Tester   £21.60

This is by far our most popular

We answer questions regularly on gateways, here are a few examples of different gateway openings for you.

This time of year is when the poaching damage can be done, here are some examples that might help you with this problem.

The Live Gateway

As you can see there is rope across the gateway stopping the livestock from pushing through or using it as a scratching post and bending it making it more likely to bounce open.

This means the field is protected from every angle should you have naughty livestock

So you have bought your netting kit are wondering  how to set it up.

Check out this great video for some guidelines

https://player.vimeo.com/video/68705458

Password:hotline

Here are some other great tips we have come across throughout the years to help with netting maintenance.

Using DPC

Use DPC underneath the bottom of the netting to help with the grass shorting the netting. This can be bought in most DIY stores nationwide. See the picture below for it in action.

Adding in extra posts

If you are

Have you ever been to Stirlingshire?  It is a beautiful part of Scotland - the 'Gate Way to The North'.  If you haven't been there - you should visit.  And guess what... I know a great farm stay which is beautifully done up and right in the middle of the farm so you can get involved if you want to.

I was lucky enough to be brought up at Old Leckie. The farm is now run by my brother, Fergus, and his wife Alison Younger (with their three girls).

Fergus and Alison have made a few changes over

Hi Guys,

Well today here in East Lothian the sun came up at 06.22 and goes down at 20.01 and the sun is trying to show the clouds, keep trying sun...

So that is over 14 hrs of daylight ( not I do not say sunshine lol), With the longer days I am sure those of you with chickens are loving the fresh eggs check out our kits and our offer of the Month of May

Then for those of you who are solar users do not miss out on this solar energiser offer ends 30th April 2016 we also have other energiser that

SALE Extended Until 31st August 2015

Hi Guys

Having spoke to a few of you lovely parents and grandparents over the last few days and weeks it seems that you are purchasing the kids some chickens. Such a lovely thing to hear not only do you get fresh eggs but the hours spent watching them getting up to mischief is great and if they are anything like the bantams we have at work that come into the office they are great. You want well made and sturdy houses so we have them for you.

So due to this we

Special Offer - This net normally retails at £120 inc VAT but we have it on offer for £85.71!

Best be quick... there are only 30 of these nets available!!!

All the technical information: Standard mesh net is 1.22m high by 50m in length, is dark green, has a larger mesh than our other nets (15cm by 5cm sq at the bottom third).  This net is only recommended for use with larger poultry as the mesh is large at the bottom.  The netting includes:

• 14 built in strong double pronged posts and at one

We have just the 1 of these left so if you're interested please act quickly!

The 40m x 1.2m Green Poultry Net

Please note that this although net has not been used and is in perfect condition the outer packaging box is damaged.

This net is 1.22m high, the posts are black and the net is dark green, and it has close mesh (7.5cm by 5cm sq) for the bottom third of the net.  A strong and sturdy net which keeps not only the fox but all predators at bay and is easy to put up and take down.

1.  The