Bloom Summer 2017 Single

BLOOM
With Bell Plantation Garden
& Country Living Centre
SUMMER
Glorious days and balmy
evenings in the garden
BELL PLANTATION GARDEN CENTRE
Watling Street, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6GX
Telephone: 01327 354 126 www.bellplantation.co.uk
www.facebook.com/Bellplantationgc

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Hello and
Welcome
Wow! It’s Summer already, your gardens should be
looking beautiful and the two things combined can
mean only one thing… it’s time for alfresco living!
Don’t forget to visit our Farm Shop when stocking up
for all your picnics, BBQ’s and garden parties, see page 6
for some delicious suggestions for your next soiree! It’s
always nice to know where your food comes from, so in
this edition of Bloom we’d like to introduce you to The
Good Loaf, the bakers of our tasty artisan bread which is
made right here in Northamptonshire.
Our Café menu has been expanded along with the Café
itself… there is now a seating area in the glasshouse.
Speaking of expansions, all of our building work is
now finished, including our new toilet block. We would
really like to take this opportunity to thank you for your
patience while we had the temporary toilets!
Finally, we would just like to wish you a joyful Summer
full of amazing times outside with family and friends.
See you in store soon!
Ashley & Freddie Warren
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CONTENTS
6-7 picnic in style
11 Caring for plants while you’re on holiday
12-13 Artisan Breads from The Good Loaf
16-17 garden jobs for the summer
18-19 Lawn Care
22-23 Dealing with three common garden pests
24-25 The Orchard in August
Poultry
2-3 A Beginners guide to keeping poultry
4-5 If you’re going away on holiday you’ll need
a chicken sitter!
6.-7 caring for your birds in hot weather
8 Preparing for winter
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18
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BELL PLANTATION
Watling Street, Towcester,
Northants, NN12 6GX
Telephone: 01327 354 126
www.bellplantation.co.uk
www.facebook.com/Bellplantationgc
www.facebook.com/poultrycentre
www.facebook.com/BellPlantationCafe
www.facebook.com/BellPlantationFarmShop
REGISTER ONLINE AT
WWW.BELLPLANTATION.CO.UK
5

Picnic in style
Imagine. A warm, sunny afternoon by a
river, you’re eating Artisan Bread, dipped
in a delicious flavoured oil or covered with
locally produced chutneys, hams, cheeses
and pates. Waiting in your basket are
freshly made scotch eggs, quiches,
coleslaw and cakes all made in our Café
that same morning…
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Homemade Quiches, Pasties, & Coleslaw
All our melt in the mouth pastry based products are freshly
baked using butter, no other fat, in our Café kitchen. We have a
selection of vegetarian and meat quiches, as well as traditional,
well-seasoned meat pasties, and tasty cheese pasties – all
delicious hot or cold. A side of our red cabbage based coleslaw
dresses these up a treat.
Jams, Chutneys & Marmalades
We stock an amazing array of jams, chutneys, and zesty marmalades
made to both old and original recipes. Where possible our local specialists
soft set the jams with no artificial colourings or preservatives. They
produce in small batches which retains the quality of fruit (sourced locally
where possible), while it is still warm from the sun… you’ll be feasting on
sunshine in a jar.
Scott Farms Orange Sweet Potato Crisps
Only the very best sweet potatoes go into these crisps, which is why they
have such a delicious and memorable taste. The sweet potatoes used
are fat free, high in fibre and contain vitamins C and A as well potassium
and manganese. Grown in the warm sunshine of North Carolina, they
are turned into crisps once they arrive in the UK where they are hand
cooked with a pinch of sea salt.
Brixworth Pate & Bell Plantation Mackerel
Pate
Brixworth Pâté is made from delicious rich chicken livers, first developed
by Stuart Bates over 40 years ago in the heart of Northamptonshire. Our
own Mackerel Pate is a best seller; made to a simple recipe of just 4 fresh
ingredients including lemon juice and horseradish – both are utterly
delicious generously loaded on our artisan bread!
Remember, The perfect picni starts with a visit to our farm shop -
We hope to see you soon!
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Afternoon Tea
Enjoy the quintessential British experience of
afternoon tea at the Bell Plantation Café
All made freshly
on the premises
and served with
loose leaf “Brew Tea”
or speciality
coffee
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“A big thank you for a wonderful afternoon tea.
The tea room has a lovely warm atmosphere, all the young ladies who served us tea were very welcoming
and the selection of sandwiches, quiche, savoury and fruit scones, desserts, pickle, clotted cream, jams, was
endless. Best of Isabel all, it was Rankin, home Daventry baked. That is becoming a rarity now in our fast food era.
”
Isabel Rankin
BOOKING ESSENTIAL - Please email cafe@bellplantation.co.uk or call 01327 354 126
Served Weekdays from 3pm - Not available on Bank Hoidays

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Large Local Showroom Open 7 Days A Week…
Free Wet Tests
Hot Tub Relocation
Chemicals & Accessories
Hot Tub Servicing
Hot Tub Maintenance
Delivery and Full Installation
Part-Exchange Options
Coast Spas Hot Tubs & Swimspas
Finance
Options
Available
Hot Tubs @ Home, Bell Plantation, Watling Street,
Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6GX
Tel: 01327 359191 www.hottubsathome.co.uk
Follow us:
@hottubsathome
Like us:
Hot tubs at home
Share your pics:
#hottubsathome
10

Great planning is the key
to prevent your garden plants wilting while you’re on holiday
The most obvious thing to do is ask
someone to water the garden for you, but if
that isn’t an option, there are still things you
can do to.
Weeding
Weeds compete for water, so a few days before you jet
off, give borders and vegetable plots a good weeding.
The Lawn
Raise the blades on your mower – longer grass copes
better with dry conditions. If your lawn does scorch in
your absence it will quickly recover when the heavens
open or with a good watering.
Pots and Hanging Baskets
Group all your pots together in a shady position. Where
possible, place them in saucers. Saucers will collect
rainwater and provide added hydration.
We have in stock:
Hydroleca Light Weight Clay Pebbles 10L £10.99
Honeycomb cores absorb and release water acting as
an attractive mulch on any indoor or outdoor potted
plant
Miracle Gro Moisture Control Gel (Pots & Baskets)
250g £5.49
Gel contains water-storing crystals that absorb and
release water when plants need it. It works all season,
and by using the water more efficiently the gel saves
you time by reducing the frequency with which you
have to water.
HANDY HINT
Water more deeply and
less frequently at the start
of the season for deeper
roots, meaning the plant
can survive longer without
water
Greenhouses, Vegetable plots, Borders
The best way to ensure that your plants and your lawn
stay green and healthy is to use irrigation. We stock a
wide range of efficient products or every size garden
by GARDENA. Whether you are away on holiday or
not, irrigation can really save time and energy when
it comes to watering, water transportation, water
pumps and automatic watering.
Why not invest in:
The Gardena Micro-Drip-System with timer, Starter
set 25m £59.99
Finally, just before you leave, Give your
plants a good, thorough soaking.
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LOCAL
FARM SHOP
SUPPLIER
Farm Shop
Supplier Spotlight
ARTISAN BREADS FROM THE
GOOD LOAF
Master Bakers Mike and Paul, produce a range of award
winning, hand-crafted artisan loaves using the best local
ingredients in their Northamptonshire bakery kitchen.
As a social enterprise, The Good Loaf offers work placements
to vulnerable women to allow opportunities to gain practical
skills and experience in a real work environment.
Good bread takes time to make and they only use natural
ingredients without the use of processing aids or artificial
preservatives or additives.
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Our Farm Shop is proud to bring you the following
selection of Good Loaf breads, available daily.
SOURDOUGH
The sourdough is made from just flour, salt and water. Taking 48 hours to produce,
this is no quick process. From feeding the starter culture to a 24 hour cold prove to
give the distinctive sour taste and heavy crust.
Great toasted with poached eggs, a bowl of soup or for dipping in oil. It also makes
great croutons, breadcrumbs and stuffing.
FRUIT SOURDOUGH
Made in the same way as the standard sourdough over 48 hours but with the addition
of mixed dried fruit, raisins, sultanas and currents. No added sugar as the sweetness
comes from the fruit.
Delicious toasted and smothered in butter.
WHITE SEEDED
The same dough as our white cut with the addition of a blend of 5 seeds - brown
linseed, golden linseed, sunflower seeds pumpkin and sesame seed.
Top it with cream cheese mixed with lemon juice, smoked salmon and a smattering
of chives and black pepper.
WHOLEMEAL
It takes 24 hours to make the wholemeal bread using Heygates quality flour with the
addition of a cracked wheat topping. No improvers or additives just flour, yeast, salt,
water and lots of time and care.
Delicious toasted and smothered with our Mackerel pate.
CIABATTA
Made in the traditional way leaving the 24 hour dough to slowly prove whilst knocking
back and folding to create a bread with a chewy crust and distinctive ciabatta open
texture. The only difference is that Northamptonshire Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil is
used instead of olive oil.
Crush some of our smoked garlic into a good dollop of butter, add a bit of parsley and
lemon juice, apply thickly to the sliced ciabatta and warm in the oven… heaven.
FOCACCIA
Italian inspired flat bread which is knocked back prior to baking
and covered with local rapeseed oil to give that distinctive
focaccia oil puddles and flavoured with green and black olives
and herbs or roast peppers and herbs.
Dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or with a side of beef
tomatoes, torn basil and mozzarella.
VISIT US
INSTORE
TODAY
13

MLV Bell Advert 210sq May 2017 _Layout 1 16/05/2017 15:15 Page 1
now in Towcester
Courses
Needle felt - £45.00 per workshop
Scruffy Dogs - May 20th • Hares - June 3rd
Scruffy Dogs - June 24th • Highland Cow Head - July 8th
Hares - September 23rd • Robins on Bobbins - October 7th
Fluffy Dogs - October 21st • Christmas Decorations - November 11th
Robins on Bobbins - November 25th
Christmas Decorations - December 2nd
Christmas Mice - December 16th
An introduction to Rag Rugging workshop £35.00 - July 22nd
Christmas Raggy Wreath workshop £35.00 - October 28th
Christmas Papercrafts workshop £35.00 - November 19th
Christmas Papercrafts workshop £35.00 December 9th
Annie Sloan introduction to Chalk Paint workshop £80.00
June 17th, July 15th, August 12th, August 16th, September 15th,
September 20th, October 11th & November 18th
Check out our website for more details on each course and how to book.
We also run Vintage Handmade and Artisan Fairs
email: mylittlevintage@yahoo.co.uk for more information
The Bell Plantation
Watling Street, Towcester,
Northants NN12 6GX
Tel: 01327 350033
Mon 10.00am - 4.30pm
Tues to Sat 10.00am - 4.30pm
Sun 11.00am - 3.00pm
also in Olney
18 High Street, Olney,
Buckinghamshire. MK46 4BB
Tel: 01234 711432
Mon 10.00am - 4.00pm
Tues to Sat 10am - 4.30pm
and Earls Barton
32 Broad Street, Earls Barton,
Northampton. NN6 0ND
Tel: 01604 812231
Tues to Sat 10.00am - 4.30pm
Also available for
Vintage Party Hire
Follow us: mlvjc
www.mlvintage.co.uk
mylittlevintage@yahoo.co.uk
Like us: My Little Vintage
14

Stockists of…
Ian Stuart
House of Mooshki
Ellis Bridals
Eliza Jane Howell
Belle and Bunty
Hayley Paige
Rachel Simpson Shoes
Katie Loxton
NEW
Plantation House
Bell Plantation
Towcester
Northants
NN12 6GX
01327 323177
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GARDEN JOBS
FOR THE SUMMER
JULY & AUGUST
The two hottest months of the year are mostly about maintenance, so be sure to water your garden regularly,
preferably early in the morning, or in the evening and deadhead plants frequently.
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Watering
When watering your garden, especially
pots and containers, be sure to get
the water in at base level, watering the
soil not the leaves. This more targeted
approach will help your plant develop
good, strong roots and by keeping the
surrounding ground dry, the soil will
become less hospitable to weeds.
Deadheading
With every unsightly flower removed, you
direct the plants energy into producing
more flowers. If you don’t remove the
dead blooms, seed heads or pods will
form instead of new flowers. So if you
want your flowerbeds, borders and
containers to be beautiful for as long
as possible - regular deadheading is
the answer! Pinch off the dead blooms
ensuring you get the stalk too. Use
secateurs for tougher plants.rts a cal
feed your plants
Plants such as roses can really benefit
from a summer feed as it can encourage
a second flush in Autumn. Feeding your
vegetables with a liquid feed can prevent
bitterness in your crops.

SEPTEMBER
Always a busy month in the garden! You’ll be reaping the rewards from
the vegetable garden as well as getting the garden ready for winter/next
season.
• Dig up any remaining potatoes before
slugs tuck in.
• Continue to deadhead and feed
hanging baskets/containers and you
should enjoy colour until first frost.
• Plant daffodils, crocus and hyacinth
bulbs for spring flowering.
• Divide herbaceous perennials such
as Cyclamen, Salvia and Delphinium
and water in well.
• September is the perfect time to
plant Trees and Shrubs out for
vigorous growth next spring.
• Prune climbing roses and rambling
roses after flowering (not if they are
repeat flowering).
• Clear out your Greenhouse and cold
frames.
7ice in getting reaerts a call.
In stock this
September
Bulbs, Trees
and Shrubs
Visit us
Today!
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Patch repairs
Prepare a mixture of grass seed and fine
compost and rake it in over sparse areas;
water well with a fine rose attachment to
your watering can or hose.
Product recommendation:
Tuffgrass 27m2 £6.99
Regular mowing at the right
height
Mowing regularly keeps the lawn in good
health; around 4cm is a good cutting
height. During dry spells or in shady
areas, leave the length a little longer. Try
not to scalp your lawn as this encourages
moss.
Lawn Care
Providing your lawn with the right nutrients through the summer can
guarantee continuous growth and a lush, thick, green finish.
Here are a few useful tips to keep your lawn at its best:
Weeding
Apply a controlled, slow release fertiliser
as early as possible to keep your lawn at
its best throughout the summer.
Spray any emerging weeds with a selective
lawn weed killer.
Product recommendations:
Evergreen Extreme Lawn Food 80m2
£7.99
Resolva Lawn Weedkiller 500ml £14.99
Dealing with Moss
Moss is a problem in damp, poorly
drained or shady lawns; it might also
be a sign of low nutrient levels in the
soil. Apply a lawn treatment containing
a moss killer. Improving the lawn by
spiking the soil will improve drainage and
over-seeding with a grass seed mixture
especially for shaded areas will improve
the vigour of the lawn.
Product recommendation:
Evergreen Mosskill with Lawn Food 14kg
Sack £19.99
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Feeding
Feeding your lawn will increase vigour
and help prevent weeds and moss from
establishing. Apply fertilisers when the
soil is moist, or when rain is expected.
If your lawn starts to struggle over the
summer, apply a fertiliser mixed with
soil in cool, moist conditions and lightly
water it in. This ensures even distribution
and avoids scorching the grass. We stock
chicken manure pellets if you prefer an
organic alternative.
Product recommendation:
Evergreen Extreme Lawn Food 80m2
£7.99
Watering
Only water when the soil becomes dry,
but before the grass turns yellow or
brown. Aid water penetration to dry
ground by spiking with a garden fork
prior to watering.
Looking after new lawns
Turfed lawns should not be walked on for
their first week. Lawns from seed should
be left until their first mowing. Newly
laid lawns will need watering, but be
careful not to overwater or roots may not
establish well. Feed newly laid lawns as
you would an established lawn.
visit us instore today for
expert help and guidance
EXPERT TIPS
- Do not apply summer
lawn fertilisers after August
(encouraging growth at the wrong
time of year could damage your
lawn & encourage pests/disease)
- Keep your mower blades sharp
and clean to avoid ripping the
grass
19

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stunningly beautiful kitchens and other rooms that are exquisitely tailored to suit our
client’s home and lifestyle.
Lovingly hand made by time served, experienced cabinetmakers, we stand by the adage
that...The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is
forgotten.
Showroom address
Unit 29, The Bell Plantation, Watling Street, Towcester
NN12 6GX
Factory address
3 South March, Long March Ind Est, Daventry, NN11 4PH
Tel 01327 353212
sales@granduniondesigns.co.uk
www.granduniondesigns.co.uk
granduniondesigns
21

Dealing with three
common garden pests
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MOLES
If you are the same age as us, or just a
Jasper Carrott fan, you’ll know “there’s
only one way to get rid of a mole…”
For those of us who don’t want to sit
in a swivel chair all night “armed and
dangerous” a la Jasper, there are more
humane ways of dealing with this
infuriating garden pest. Moles rely on
scent sensors on the tip of their nose
to find prey and other moles so you
could try putting something down the
tunnel that smells bad and is ideally
biodegradable.
We stock:
Growing Success Mole Repellent
This deters or moves moles in lawns and
borders by confusing the mole’s sense of taste
and smell.
£6.99 Treats up to 50 sq.m
Slugs and snails
Slugs remain active throughout
the year but are a particular problem in
Summer, feeding in or on the soil surface
mostly at night and increasing their
activity in wet weather.
Snails are dormant during autumn and
winter. If you keep a pond, encourage
frogs and toads who will make a meal
of slugs. Ditto hedgehogs, slow-worms,
ground beetles and some birds.
We stock:
Bayer Garden Slug Killer certified
for Organic use by the Organic Farmers &
Growers.
This contains iron phosphate that breaks
down naturally in the soil. Slugs and snails are
attracted away from plants to feed on the bait.
They cease feeding and disappear underiound
to die without leaving any slime secretion or
visible dead slugs. £6.99 700g
Agralan Slug & Weed Mat
A copper coated fabric that acts a barrier to
slugs and snails as well as suppressing weed
growth while conserving soil moisture. Great
for under pots, around individual plants or
rows of plants. £9.99 180cm x 50cm
Vitax Slug Gone - Wool Pellets.
Physically deters slugs and snails by forming
an abrasive felt that absorbs moisture from
the slugs foot as well as irritating it. Slug Gone
is a natural biodegradable protein fibre which
releases nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and
other trace elements essential for plant growth.
£ 9.99 5 litre tub
ANTS
These are more of a nuisance rather
than a pest that causes damage. The
commonest species that invades houses
is the Black Garden Ant. Foraging worker
ants invade our homes in search of sweet
foodstuffs which they take back to
the nest to feed to the larvae and queen.
Find the nest entrances by looking for
small piles of earth or by watching the
ants as they trail their path. Pouring
several kettles of boiling water over the
nest site will buy you some time before
implementing a more effective method.

We stock:
Nippon Ant Bait Station
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. These covered
pre-baited stations contain a highly attractive bait to
feed the queen and other ants in the nest. The bait
builds up within the colony and the entire nest is
eliminated usually within 7 to 10 days.
£4.99 for 2 x 5g stations
AntStop Gun
A fast acting spray that is also effective against
woodlice, earwigs, cockroaches and fleas.
£6.99 800 ml
TALK TO US
or come and see our
experts if you need
any help with
Garden Pests
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The Orchard in August
Those of you lucky enough to have an orchard will be busy harvesting this month
as an abundance of fruit rewards your labours.
It’s best to allow all fruits to ripen on the plant with the exception of
Pears; these should be harvested just before they are ripe and allowed
to ripen “at home”. Plums, apples, cherries, peaches and apricots will
need picking as soon as they are ripe.
Pruning and Training
Growth will slow down during August, but do continue
training and pruning fruit trees this month to allow
sunlight through to ripen the fruit and encourage a
good crop the next year. If there are large amounts of
immature or secondary growth, delay pruning until
mid-September.
Dealing with Birds and Wasps
The irresistible sugary taste of ripe berries and fruits in the late summer to early autumn can make
wasps a menace who will vigorously defend their territory when disturbed by harvesting hands.
Wear protective clothing, making sure all skin is covered and that they can’t fly up a trouser leg! If
you are allergic to wasp stings do not go near the nest; get it professionally removed.
Wasps are interested in the sugar rich juice that oozes from fallen fruit too. Clear away fallen fruit,
removing any damaged fruit on the tree.
Birds can do a lot of damage to fruit trees; netting can help prevent them from reaching the fruits
as they ripen.
We stock:
Gardman Rope Form Garden Netting, Mesh Size 15mm
This diamond mesh for flex and strength provides the
perfect protection against birds. Drape it over fruit.
2m width 99p per metre
4m width £1.49 per metre
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Want to start growing your own fruit
next year?
The best time to plant fruit trees is in September. From late August/early September we will have a superb selection of
the following fruit trees ready to grace your garden and provide you with fruit in 2018 and beyond!
• Cox’s Apple
• Victoria Plum
• Conference Pears
Shape wise, choose from space saving Espalier, Fan-Trained and regular Orchard Trees.
An Espalier Tree comprises a central stem and horizontal fruiting branches.
Fan Trained is similar to Espalier; the difference is branches are trained into a flat fan shape, with two main branches
growing outwards at 45 degree angles.
USEFUL TIPS
• Apples and Pears are perfect for picking
when they part easily from the tree.
• The best way to remove fruit from a tree is
with an upward twist of the fruit.
• If Plums are soft to touch, they are ready to
be picked.
• Check cherries regularly for sweetness. They
should be completely red and firm. Grasp
the cherry stem below its connection to
the branch. Lift the stem up, separating the
cherries from the branch.
25

INTERESTED IN FISH,
REPTILES OR PONDS?
Northampton Reptile & Fish Centre are now at Bell Plantation!
REPTILES www.reptilecentre.com
sales@reptilecentre.com
Tropical Fish
Snakes
Pond Fish
Tortoises
Lizards
FISH
www.fishcentre.com
sales@fishcentre.com
OPEN NOW!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US NOW ON 01327 350088
26

Find us at: The Bell Plantation | 01327 437277 | Facebook: The Beauty Works Towcester
www.thebeautyworkstowcester.co.uk
27

PREPARE FOR
WINTER!
SEPTEMBER
Early in the month while there is
a higher chance of fair weather,
check the forecast and look for
a couple of dry days, use these
days to paint your wooden coop
in preparation for the winter
weather.
You can give a waterproof finish to the
exterior wood using any sort of fence
paint, most of which are water based.
Old-fashioned creosote can be used
(although this is not readily available
and will take much longer to dry out)
but many poultry keepers prefer to use
this as the coal tar and oils present in
the formula can help protect against Red
Mite. Just be sure to ventilate the coop
fully before putting hens back in.
The shorter days of September mean that
the ideal time to start painting your coup
is early morning to get maximum drying
time.
Check all runs, roofs, hinges and catches
for signs of wear and tear. Replace and
repair anything if required.
Look at providing extra shelter for both
the hens and feed stations for the wet
winter days to come. The run enclosure
should ideally have a section for the bird
to hide away in when the rain comes
down. As hens spend a lot of time
around the feed area, it makes sense for
this section of the run to have the rain
protection. If you can, hang feed in a
sheltered spot, as this will avoid wasting
layers pellets that will swell up and block
the base of your feeders in wet weather.
If your run is likely to become muddy,
look to put down either a deep layer of
wood chip or bark. Alternatively, a few
concrete slabs are handy and easy to keep
clean. Provide extra perches so hens can
get their feet out of the mud.
If you need help or advice in getting
ready for Winter, give our team of
experts a call 0n 01327 354 126
8

Photo credit: The Garden Smallholder
Chopped, dust extracted straw bedding, 100% biodegradable
Developed in Association with the British Hen Welfare Trust
A natural soft straw bedding containing pine oil
for ultimate freshness, helping your chickens to
feel warm and cosy. Available in big value 100 ltr
and easy-to-handle 50 ltr bales.
Call 0845 345 5115 for friendly advice on the Dengie Help Line
9

CARING FOR YOUR BIRDS
IN HOT WEATHER
The average body temperature of a hen is normally around 102 – 103 °f, additionally, their
layers of feathers trap the air which retains body heat keeping them well insulated. This
natural insulation system is great in cold weather, but makes hot weather much more
dangerous for chickens.
Chickens cannot sweat, but will cool themselves by panting, spreading their wings and laying
down to try to reduce their temperature. Additionally, the blood flowing through the comb
and wattles will cool and recirculate back through the interior part of the body.
During hot conditions, the amount of water consumed will increase and the amount of food
eaten will go down, also egg laying will probably drop.
What you can do to help your birds
• Provide extra drinkers - Chickens can drink twice the normal
amount in extreme heat.
• Freeze a block of ice and place in the drinker.
• Make sure the water is out of direct sunshine.
• Clean out drinker daily to avoid algae build up.
• Add poultry tonic (Vit Boost) to maintain balance of vitamins
and minerals.
• Coop – Move to a shady spot in a heat wave. Ensure plenty of
ventilation, if you have a hinged roof, prop this open by an inch or
two to circulate air inside the coop during the day.
• Provide sun shades, a wooden board on top of the run is an easy
solution.
• You can hose down the roof and sides of the coop to reduce
temperature in extreme conditions.
• Provide chilled or frozen fruits and vegetables. This will dramatically
reduce body heat.
• Avoid grains such as corn that is high in starch content and will heat
up the chickens.
In general, it is
best to leave your
chickens alone during
extreme heat conditions to
keep stress levels as low as
possible. Let them do their
own thing and avoid picking
them up. At all times
monitor behaviour for signs
of excess heat stress.
6

Need Advice?
Talk to our poultry team.
We are more than happy
to help and advise you
where we can.
Our experts are on
hand 7 Days a week.
Call us on
01327 354126
7

If you’re going away on
holiday you’ll need a
Chicken Sitter!
It’s not just about collection of eggs as many sitters
might think.
If you are away for a week or longer, some cleaning
will probably need to be done. Spend time to show
the chicken sitter how you normally do things.
As summer is the most likely time for red mite to
strike, use plenty of mite powder in the coop and
bedding; you don’t want to return to an
infestation!
Do a weather check for the period you’re
away, do you need to move the
Coop to a shadier spot?
4

There’s so much to think about, here’s a handy
cut out guide that you can leave for your sitter.
- Let the birds out as early as possible, leaving hens shut in later than
normal will cause issues with behaviour and pecking.
Let birds out at
- Shut birds away at the correct time to avoid predators such as
Mr Fox.
Shut birds away at
- Provide feed and fresh water daily, check that feeders and waterers
are not getting knocked over.
- Collect eggs at least once a day, you can keep any eggs you gather.
Empty egg cartons can be found here
- In event of hot weather, please double the water provided and give
ice treats (you can find these in the freezer).
- If you spot a hen who spends her time in the coop, unmoving,
screeching at anyone who comes too close, is off her food and
drink, she is probably broody, don’t worry about her as this is
perfectly normal!
Need Advice?
Talk to our poultry team.
We are more than happy
to help and advise you
where we can.
Our experts are on
hand 7 Days a week.
Call us on
01327 354126
- Birds will dust bathe and will look like they are having a seizure as
they roll around flapping wings and rubbing their necks in the dirt.
This is normal behaviour, do not panic!
In the event of emergency, call or text us, or contact the Vet,
numbers are below:
Our Mobile
Vet Phone Number
Bell Plantation’s FREE Chicken Helpline is available
7 days a week for expert advice if required 01327 354 126
5

A Beginners Guide to Keeping Poultry
Keeping chickens is really quite easy providing you do your homework and get the right
equipment. If you’re trying to decide if keeping chickens is for you, read on.
2
Benefits of keeping chickens
• Delicious, freshly laid eggs with
stunning orange yolks!
• They feast on garden pests such as
slugs and snails, providing organic
bug control.
• Your children will learn where their
food comes from and how to take
care of animals - Chickens make
great pets!
• They can assist with composting.
• Their poo is high in nitrogen and
makes a great organic fertiliser.
Food & Water
Chickens need a constant supply of layers
pellets, grit and a supply of fresh water, as
they can drink between 500 ml to 1L per
day in hot weather. It pays to invest in a
quality feeder and waterer that will not
only prevent your flock from knocking
it over, but also protect the food supply
from pests like mice and rats. Hanging
the food and water helps to keep the
water and food clean.
Dealing with Unwanted
Behaviours
Your girls may peck one another when
they’re bored; feeding them treats and

putting toys in the run is the perfect way
to distract from this behaviour. The more
space your birds have the less likely this is
to happen.
Where to keep chickens
You need enough space in your garden for
a chicken coop and somewhere for your
girls to exercise.
Your coop or shed should have:
• around half a square metre floor area
for each bird.
• a perch for them to stand on while
they sleep.
• an exercise space, or ‘run’.
• a nesting box filled with suitable
bedding for the hens to lay eggs.
Which breed of chicken should
you choose?
There are many breeds of chicken
to choose from and different breeds
have particular characteristics. Popular
“starter” birds include Rangers,
Amberstars and Rhode Rocks – they are
easy to take care of and produce a lot
of eggs. Mixed breeds of chickens, or
commercial ‘hybrids’ generally lay more
eggs than pure breeds. We also have hens
that lay different coloured eggs that are
very popular. Blue/Green, white and dark
brown egg layers are all standard breeds
available every month at The Poultry
Centre. The best way to choose is to talk
to our experts who can guide you.
If you need help or advice give
our team of experts a call 0n
01327 354 126 or pop into the
Poultry Centre
Amber Star Hen
A docile and good natured
hen. One of the best egg
laying hens we sell - laying
up to 330 eggs in the first
year. They are suitable for
households with children.
Rhode Rock Hen
Lustrous black plumage,
with petrol coloured
sheen, shot through with
gold on head and throat
and sometimes through
to tail. A very good docile
temperament. Lays in
excess of 300 eggs per
year in the first 2 years.
Ranger Hen
Probably the most friendly
hen available. Laying up
to 330 eggs in the first
year. They are suitable for
households with children
and a great first time hen.
These birds are often used
as commercial egg layers.
They are the most popular
and best selling hen at
The Poultry Centre.
3

THE POULTRY CENTRE
We’re here to advise, support and supply you with everything you need to
keep your poultry healthy, happy and productive.
All hybrid birds come fully vaccinated and carry a 28-day replacement guarantee.
Poultry Centre
Watling Street, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6GX
Telephone: 01327 354 126, www.poultrycentre.co.uk
facebook.com/poultrycentre