Animals-and-Pets
The Country Smallholder
How can I help my grass grow?
Q Because of the dry weather my grass looks really bad and its got me thinking that I need to start planning some serious management for it. I’m thinking its about time we started to think about fertilising on a regular basis but I’m not sure of the benefits.
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Shelter from the sun as well as the rain
I have alpacas, sheep and donkeys and I am looking for some shelters that can be moved around from field to field and will be practical in all weathers. I also wonder how much shelter you need in a field.
1 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Woodland Heritage launches Open Woods & Workshops
There’s plenty to see and do on those warm, long days so make your summer full of countryside fun
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Inside the world of a busy alpaca stud
Alexandra Verhoef of Alpaca Evolution brings us up to date with what's happening on their alpaca farm
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Pure Breeds: What are they?
Grant Brereton poses the question...
9 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Preseli Hills Farm means pigs, bees and computing
Helen Babbs visits a smallholding in west Wales that's raising the profile of local pork
5 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Picnics and a pigeon recipe for the month of July
Henrietta Balcon makes lashings of lemonade and pan fried pigeon
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
You're Kidding - welcoming baby goats into the world
As a sanctuary, Buttercups does not breed goats. However, this does not mean that we never have kids born! Such an event occurred recently, when no less than five pregnant pygmy goats arrived into our care.
3 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Road-tripping rooster
When Ellie Fant first adopted a tiny Serama cockerel, she had no idea he would become her best friend and travel companion. From waterfalls to supermarkets, Fergus was not just a chicken... he was family, as told to Cara Wheeldon
4 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA advice on Escherichia coli septicaemia
Q How post mortem testing can provide answers in piglet deaths
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Waste not - want not
The government estimated figure of approximately 9 million tonnes of wasted food annually in the UK. Paul Goddard of Waste Solutions sets out to change that and you can benefit
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
The Leghorn chicken called after a hat
Victoria Roberts BVSc MRCVS has surprising facts about this excellent layer which had the first specialist breed club in Britain
3 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Magnetoreception
This month, Paul Donovan explores the hidden world of Magnetoreception in chickens.
8 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Speakers Announced for RBST Scotland Native Breeds Conference 2025
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is pleased to announce Lynn Cassells, Jane Cooper and Jan McCourt as keynote speakers for the RBST Scotland Native Breeds Conference. The conference will take place on Thursday 31st July 2025 at Guardswell Farm, Inchture (Perthshire).
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
The mountain sprinters
Appenzeller bantams might be a relatively new addition to Chris Meyer's flock, but these nimble little birds are already stealing the spotlight for him with their quirky crests, independent nature, and lightning-fast footwork
3 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Keeping hens chilled in hot weather
Chickens need to keep their cool too when the heat is on; how you can help your flock to enjoy the warmer weather
3 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
From preventing flystrike to managing your show team
Dr Alistair Crozier from Parkside Vets in Dundee, part of the VetPartners group, outlines seven key flock health considerations for the summer months.
5 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Another month, another brood of birds!
The frenetic energy of bird breeding season is always associated with spring — but there's still plenty of nesting action in July for quite a number of our garden birds says Helen Moffat
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Sharing the joy of driving donkeys
Debbie Street gives a clinic to Australian carriage drivers with skills that work worldwide
6 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Rainwater Harvesting Tanks - A Smart Solution for Smallholders
James Blaxland, Managing Director at Shrewd Industrial Ltd looks at some options for a free resource
4 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
How you can make changes for a super summer with your chickens
Sarah Kearney, Head of Nutrition at Small Holder Feed, discusses the importance of correct feeding and husbandry during the warmer months to ensure your birds remain fit, healthy, and laying well.
5 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Babbinswood Organic Farm seeks community ownership
A family-run organic farm in Shropshire is looking for new owners – and it could be you!
1 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Small and productive with surprising personality traits
Kaiserin Maggs shares what she has learned on her journey into keeping quail
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Your Grassland Questions Answered!
WHY IS MY PASTURE STRUGGLING TO GROW STRONG GRASS?
1 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
The Churn At The End Of The Lane:
Farming and smallholding practices have altered over the past century or so. Some have been subtle, others less so — and many brought about by technology and legislation. In another of his monthly series, Jeremy Hobson continues to outline just a few of them.
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
What's new in chicken coops
Hugh & Fiona Osborne have reviewed a new chicken coop brand by Chick'A. Their conclusion? It's great quality and fantastic value!
2 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
The wonder of woodlands
Make your own laundry soap — and it could be from your very own woodland
3 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
North Wales has surprisingly good transport links plus a great community and breathtaking natural beauty
Our regular column about the best places for smallholder living
1 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
Jacob Sheep represented at Royal Garden Party
Six members of the Jacob Sheep Society recently swapped their sheepkeeping wellies for smart suits and summer dresses to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
1 min |
July 2025
The Country Smallholder
RBST Young Shepherd - a celebration of skills and superb British breeds
RBST Senior Conservation Adviser Tom Blunt says there is still time to qualify for the 2025 Grand Final
3 min |