HENKEEPER’S CALENDAR

A guide to tending your flock throughout the year

January Check drinkers haven’t iced over and that the hens can access enough shelter from wind and rain.

February You can look forward to collecting more eggs this month as the days lengthen – traditionally, pure-breeds resume laying on or around Valentine’s Day.

March Keep an eye on any broody hens, removing them from the nest to eat and drink. Order fertile eggs to hatch in time for Easter Sunday (16 April this year).

April Spring-clean the henhouse and repair and paint it if necessary (make sure you use a poultry-friendly brand).

May Collect cleavers (also known as goosegrass) to give to your flock as a treat – chickens love this wild plant’s sweet flavour.

June Summer means an abundance of eggs. Sell surplus from your garden gate (but do not clean them first) or use them to barter.

July On hot days, provide extra supplies of water and ensure your run or garden offers adequate shade.

August If you’re going on holiday, organise a hensitter – often, friends are keen to do this in exchange for payment in eggs.

September Give moulting hens a tonic such as those by Battles, Net-tex and Life-guard.

October Create entertainment by hanging homegrown vegetables and fruit from an undercover run roof, making piles of leaves or building a climbing frame out of branches.

November Pure-breeds stop laying around 5 November, though young birds may continue. Check that predators haven’t made holes in perimeter fences.

December Head to The National Poultry Show, 2-3 December 2017 (nationalshow.poultryclub. org) for inspiration. Give extra rations of corn in cold weather.