Goat pictures from the Edible Garden Show

I thought I would have a break from 'chickening' and share some cute and funny pictures of the goats we saw at the Edible Garden Show.  If I had known I was going to throw myself into blogging, I would have taken more, but loyal followers will be rewarded by plenty from next years show. ;-)

So without further ado, I give you goats.

My New Chicken Shopping List

Now I have my lovely three ladies, I decided that although the most helpful and ever patient Jo at Merrydale Poultry, (yes, I am promoting them again) provided me with all the essentials, there are still one or two things I think I need.  In the true style of the childishly excited, I happily compiled the following list;

• Two dustbins with lockable lids for straw and easichick. (Different colour for each or matching?)
• Container and scoop for Layers Pellets
• Scraper for the endless poop
• Latch for hen house (am a little paranoid about Mr Fox wanting to eat my girls)
• Padlock for nest box (see above)
• Plastic toolbox for cleaning kit (indulge me, I am an excited beginner)
• Plastic jug for preparing water and apple cider vinegar, (ACV)
• Plastic measuring spoon, for measuring ACV
• Hooks and chains for feeder and drinker
• Cleaning brush

This list, though incredibly exciting, is by no means exhaustive.  I keep thinking of other things my chickens may need to keep them healthy and happy.  In fact, one absolutely essential thing I have neglected to put on my list is a wormer.  This is something which needs to be done monthly, so I have a little time in which to acquire it.  Still, it should have been on the list.

I am pleased to report that since compiling my Chicken List, I have managed to secure my little cleaning kit and toolbox, a padlock and chains for the feeder and drinkers.  I did start by putting the drinker on the ground, but of course they pooped in it, so it is now hanging above bottom height.  The feeder I suspended from day one as this prevents the inevitable poop and also stops them from knocking it over and reduces the wasting and scattering of food.

Another advantage of hanging them on metal clips is that at night when they take themselves off to bed, I can remove the feeder and drinker easily for cleaning and replenishing the next day.

Now at the risk of being labelled sexist, which I assure you I am not, one of the wonderful things about keeping chickens, or, I suppose, anything else which requires a range of equipment is that you can get some really lovely things to store it all in. If I may direct your attention to the list above, you will notice that one of the things I need is a storage container and scoop for the pellets.  I could of course simply buy a plastic tub with a lid or just keep them in the tub they came in.  

Now ladies, (and possibly gentlemen), I ask you, where is the fun in that? 

On a trip to Glebe Garden Centre the other week, I stumbled across a gorgeous large tin type container which would be perfect for the pellet job!  It even comes with a matching scoop which rather quaintly hangs on its own little hook at the side of the container!  The fact that it says 'Laundry' on it is a minor concern which is easily eliminated by the simple act of turning it around.  Sorted!  I could of course search the interweb for specific chicken acoutrements, but I believe there is a limit to the amount of chicken-ness in one's home which can be considered acceptable.  

Of course the cockerel kitchen roll holder is tastefulness itself and it is pure coincidence that the chickens garlic powder happens to be stored in a small pot featuring an understated picture of a chicken.

Here come the girls!

So, my friend invited me to the Edible Garden Show.  I dutifully spread the word and then my Mum decided to join us. (This is impressive given that she lives 600 miles away, but that is a story for another time.)

Mum having safely arrived, off we toddled.  Having spent my money rather enthusiastically only the day before acquiring some bargain pictures from a local charity shop, I instructed my ma not to let me spend any money, as indeed, I had none left.

And this is why the Good Lord created the Credit Card!

I cannot divulge the exact amount I slapped onto my little piece of plastic as I am one of those who believe that if I don't think about it, it didn't really happen.  And hey, it's only money right?

But, the biggest and most bestest thing about our day out, is that as a result, not only am I once again growing my own veg, I now have chickens!!

I know!  I am still a little dazed by how quickly this has all happened, but I am so pleased with The Girls, even though they poop at a phenomenal rate and they too appear quite happy in their new home.

The show really was amazing and although it was very busy I didn't get the urge to run away or hurt anyone, as I would normally when faced with a crowded shopping experience.  The amount and variety of information available was staggering and I am truly grateful to everyone I spoke with who happily advised me on my garden flowers, veg growing and chicken keeping ambition.

Unfortunately though, the chicken people I spoke with at the show were unable to take payment for their 'Special Show Starter Pack Offer' because, and this is a secret, I don't own a smartphone.  Confused?  So was I.  Nevermind, they said, we will contact you on Monday and sort it out.  

I am still waiting for their phone call.

In the meantime however, I visited their website, was not impressed and then visited another website and was.  I will now shamelessly promote Merrydale Poultry in Whetstone, Leicestershire as they are so incredibly helpful and to be honest,  even with the 'Special Show Starter Pack Offer' of the smartphone people I have got more stuff for my plastic.  

So, the girls are home, and I am now a bonafide chicken keeper with my very own, (very small) flock.  

I have taken several books out of the library on keeping poultry and am booked onto a chicken keeping course at Warwickshire College.  I will let you know how that goes. 

Chickens are relatively simple to keep it would appear, but as with everything, this requires a degree of effort on the part of the chicken keeper.  Cleanliness is king and of course being committed enough to ensure your birds are safely tucked up each night and getting up to let them out early in the morning.

The world of chickens and chicken behaviour is proving to be quite fascinating and I am in very real danger of becoming a chicken bore.  My current excitement is nothing however to what will errupt once we have our first egg.  

Brace yourself, you have been warned.