Animals-and-Pets

The Country Smallholder
What are good companions?
Companion planting with tomatoes and marigolds
1 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Making money from your smallholding
You can sell surplus eggs at outside your gate (subject to it not being a danger to traffic)
3 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Dirty Ducks
Call ducks are the least messy ducks, due mainly to their smaller size
1 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
My gander is very aggressive
This gander is warning you not to come any closer
1 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Meet an amazing countryman with a remarkable life
91 years old, 2,000 walking sticks and still searching for the perfect hazel shank!
2 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Rhubarb is a sign of spring and the warmer weather to come.
Mrs Simkins Smallholder Recipes bring the changing seasons into your kitchen. Make the most of the early stems whilst using early spring eggs for some cake baking.
2 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Six simple steps to create flourishing hedgerows
Take advantage of free advice available to farmers and smallholders on how to maintain this iconic habitat throughout prime hedgerow management season and beyond.
2 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
The murmur of a thousand Starlings
The RSPB shows you how to find a display near you of this spectacular but sadly declining bird.
2 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Things Begin to Stir
Claire Waring describes the increasing activity within your beehive. Although it obviously depends on where you live and on the vagaries of the great British climate, things begin to move inside the beehive in March so now is the time to understand what will happen. Also find out how you can help them and other bees.
5 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Time for the winter pruning of fruit trees
Lorraine Turnbull says making the effort at the right time will be a fruitful action.
4 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Get Seed Savvy
Kim Stoddart explains how to get the best out of your seed for the growing season ahead, including tips for germination and money saving...
5 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
New Year, Even Bigger Show: Entries Steaming In for Malvern's Magnificent March Tractor Show
An unmissable date on tractor and commercial enthusiasts' calendars for Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March, preparations for 2023's highly anticipated Spring Tractor World and Classic Commercial Show are already roaring on.
2 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
When is it best to go for new kit?
Agricultural journalist, smallholder and Editor of the Ferguson Heritage Magazine Jane Brooks, joins us for a regular look at the world of agricultural machinery.
3 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Saving resources for the future
John Sones looks at more carbon reducing ideas
3 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
How genetics influence some areas of poultry breeding.
The plumage colour of a chicken is defined by two pigment types.
5 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
It's all in the genes
With a basic understanding of genetics, breeding poultry for showing can be an enjoyable hobby. Paul Donovan investigates this challenging science.
3 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
What poultry keepers think they should do if they suspect avian flu
Sol Elliot, Final Year (5th) Veterinary student at the School of University Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, updates from her survey which aims to find out how vets and owners view Avian Flu.
3 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
David Parsons MRCVS updates poultry keepers on avian flu and looks at how you can help your flock during this challenging time.
6 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
COLD comfort
Your chickens deserve special consideration in very cold weather. Have you covered all the angles? Grant Brereton offers personal advice plus thoughts on breeding pure breed poultry.
6 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
The BHWT 900,000th hen finds her new home
Lucky little Lottie settles down in Scotland
1 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Incubating with Broody Hens
In the first in a series on chicken breeding using broody hens, Fiona & Hugh Osborne explain why this is a valid model for the smallholder.
7 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Set up your own camping site
A certified Camping and Caravanning Club site will give you an alternative income with pitch perfect peace of mind.
2 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
The thatched cottage dream or disaster
Master Thatcher, Chris Dodson untangles the myths from the reality to help you make your choice in the property market.
6 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Testing this winter is the key to liver fluke control, say industry experts
Advice from the National Sheep Association (NSA) on behalf of SCOPS, is worth studying for a fluke-free flock all year round.
3 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Breath easily - why goats cough and have respiratory problems
David Harwood BVetMed, FRCVS looks at the signs and why early action is the best course of action.
5 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
How long do alpacas live?
Joy Whitehead shows how the right management can help them to live longer
4 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
When man's best friend goes feral - the danger of dog attacks on livestock
Mark Jackson, agricultural solicitor at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors examines what you can do and possible changes to the law.
4 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Wintering out animals all year round -how is it possible?
Peter Stoker suggests using electric fencing to out winter livestock on grass and other forage crops.
3 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Complying, Managing, Measuring & Happy Factor resistance reduction
Ear Tagging is not dull according to experts Kiwikit Roxan
3 min |
February 2023

The Country Smallholder
Lambs and kids have similar nutritional requirements
But as Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range explains, amongst the similarities there are a number of important differences that should be taken into consideration when rearing these young ruminants.
5 min |