#523 Seasonal Chicken TLC: Winter Care for Our Chickens
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Welcome back to the Veg Grower Podcast! In this week's episode, we're diving into a crucial topic for our feathered friends—winter care for chickens. As the temperatures drop, it's time to ensure our clucking companions are well-prepared for the chilly months ahead.
Diary Update: Home Garden Bliss
In the vegetable patch at home, we've experienced a mix of warmth and rain. With the changing weather, it's time to make some strategic moves. Tender plants like chillies and aubergines have found shelter in the greenhouse, with the hope of extending their growth through the winter. Tool maintenance is in full swing, with the trusty spade getting a good clean and treatment. The herb garden has also received some love, ensuring everything is tidy for the approaching season.
Deep Dive into Chicken Care
Now, let's turn our attention to the stars of our garden—the chickens. These feathered friends are pretty tough, but a little extra care during winter can make a significant difference in their well-being.
- Coop Cleaning Rituals:
- A deep clean of the coop is in order. We discuss the importance of using organic chicken coop disinfectant to create a bug-free environment.
- Changing bedding regularly is essential, and we weigh the pros and cons of various methods, from weekly changes to layering fresh bedding on top of the old for added warmth.
- Run Revamp:
- Disinfecting feeders and water bowls is a must as we prepare the run for the winter season.
- We explore the importance of addressing muddy spots with sand and consider using covers to protect against both weather and potential bird flu risks.
- Entertainment for Happy Hens:
- Winter can be dull, so we discuss various ways to keep our chickens entertained—from carved pumpkins to hanging cabbages.
- Adding corn to their diet is a simple yet effective way to provide extra warmth during chilly nights.
- Preparing for Potential Challenges:
- As the risk of bird flu looms, we share tips on keeping our chickens safe and complying with guidelines, from moving bird feeders away to disinfecting shoes before entering the chicken run.
- Considerations for Expanding the Flock:
- Thinking of adding more chickens to the flock? We discuss the strategy behind it, considering the natural laying patterns of chickens and planning for next spring.
Recipe Delight: Scott's Sticky Spiced Pumpkin Cake
This week, Scott shares a delightful recipe perfect for the season—a Sticky Spiced Pumpkin Cake. Using ingredients like butter, black treacle, and, of course, pumpkin, this cake is a warm, comforting delight. Paired with a spiced toffee sauce, it's practically a healthy treat—one of your five a day!
Allotment Update: Planting for the Winter
As we transition to the allotment, things have slowed down. Planting overwinter onion sets takes centre stage. We delve into the process, sharing a homemade tool that makes planting quick and efficient.
Wrapping Up the Seasonal Care
And that's a wrap for this week's podcast episode. We've journeyed from the home garden to the allotment, focusing on the seasonal care of our cherished chickens. Remember to rate and review the podcast, join our Supporters Club, and connect with us through email or social media.
Until next time, take care, and may your winter be filled with happy clucks and thriving crops.