Good afternoon,
We have good news. Flock-down has been lifted after 6 long months of keeping our girls housed inside.
We have seen the largest avian flu breakout with over 100 cases across the country since October (none near Cowfold as far as I’m aware), but it’s tricky to reconcile the risk of spread against the ethics of keeping birds inside for all these months. We’re all undoubtedly familiar with that predicament.
Predictions suggest things are going to get worse as wild bird migration patterns are forced to change because of global warming, and we expect to have to house our hens again this winter. If the flock-down period gets longer each year, it will make us question whether it’s viable to have a free range pastured poultry business in the years to come. But if the country looses it’s small-scale and ethical egg farms, we will be left with the not so appealing full-time barn eggs.
Before it comes to that, we have 150 new laying birds arriving this month. I have found retirement homes for about half our current flock but still have plenty available for anyone who is interested. We’re asking for a £5 donation for each bird to go to a Ukrainian relief fund.
Nev & I towed the mobile hen house into the orchard yesterday morning and they fell over each other to get out of the door as soon as it was opened. Fresh air, sweet spring grass and plenty of pecking and scratching to do. Thank flock for that.
This Saturday…
Sourdough pizza (no need to pre-book), live music from Brighton folk band Sistie Moose, local beers and delicious cider from the Moo Tap, served in the sunshine 12-4pm.
Plus, plenty of fresh and frozen beef, happy eggs & delicious cider available online to pre-order and collect this weekend.
