Rheas are impressive, flightless birds that require specialist nutrition and care to thrive on UK smallholdings. From high-protein starter crumb for chicks to fibre-rich adult feeds, this guide covers everything you need to know about feeding, housing, and caring for rheas at every stage of life. Whether you’re new to keeping rheas or looking to optimise your flock’s health, you’ll find practical advice and expert tips throughout.
Introduction Ostriches are the world’s largest birds and, while still relatively rare, are becoming more popular on UK smallholdings and farms. Whether you’re keeping them for meat, eggs, breeding, or simply as impressive additions to your land, providing the right...
Guinea fowl are increasingly popular on UK smallholdings for their unique appearance, tasty eggs, and natural pest control abilities. Whether you’re keeping a small flock for eggs or as garden sentinels, providing the right nutrition and care is key to...
July brings the height of summer to UK smallholdings, with long days, rapid growth, and fresh challenges. This month’s journal shares practical advice on grazing, water, bedding, poultry care, pest control, and fencing—plus trusted Chestnut Mill products to help your animals stay healthy and comfortable all season long.
Discover our top-quality poultry bedding range, including customer favourites Fresh Bed and Easichick. Designed for comfort, hygiene, and easy cleaning—give your flock the best with Chestnut Mill’s trusted products and fast UK delivery.
Introduction to the Lambing Period As lambing season nears, proper preparation is paramount to ensure a smooth and successful period on the farm. Understanding the fundamentals of lambing is critical whether you're a novice or an experienced smallholder. Preparation involves...
January on the farm is surprisingly busy. It is the perfect time to start spreading slurry on fields to boost silage or hay production that will be harvested later in the year. A ground frost is perfect for this as...
As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the earthy tones of autumn, smallholders face a crucial period for ensuring the health and wellbeing of their livestock. The changing seasons bring with them new challenges and considerations for farm...
As the crisp air of September begins to settle in, smallholders across the UK must shift their focus to the unique demands of autumn livestock nutrition. This season heralds a time of preparation, requiring adjustments in feeding, grazing management, and...
