Fun names for chooks

Calling your chook Meryl Cheep, or Yolko Ono might be going too far for some, but there is plenty of fun and nostalgia to be had when naming your chooks, writes Jessamy Miller.

How to hold a chook

There are all sorts of reasons you may need to hold your hens, such as checking for parasites; Jessamy Miller explains how do it safely for your chooks and you.

Encouraging native bees

If you follow these basic principles in your garden, native bees and other beneficial insects will know they’re welcome, writes Karen Sutherland.

Bring in the bees

There's heaps to do in the summer garden, including encouraging bees to visit and stay. Our horticultural experts have some tips to help you take care of these precious pollinators.

Raising chicks naturally

While the mother hen has the lead role in the chicken-raising show, Jessamy Millers says there are steps owners can take to ensure chicks are robust and healthy.

Feathered friends

Chooks provide many things from fresh eggs to fertiliser for your garden, and they can even become feathered friends to the family.

Choosing a chook house

Life is much richer in this Melbourne household with a few chooks added to the mix – here's some tips to help make a home for chickens so everyone is happy.

Why is my hen not laying?

A question chook owners often ask is: why aren't my hens laying? Read on for possible solutions.

Feeding your chooks

If you want to mix your own feed you will know exactly what you are giving your hens and it could save you money.

Bee friendly planting

Planting flowers that honey bees love is a win-win – they get pollen and you get a healthy harvest! These plants will tempt bees into your garden.

Hen health checklist

Observation is the key to success not only in your garden but for keeping your chooks healthy.

Heritage hens

The top performers of yesteryear, heritage poultry breeds are slow-growing, long-laying and one of the keys to our long-term food security.