Recent content by Gillb

Shysmum that is so sad. The poor horse. Do folk not realise that they could lose their horse for lack of spending a very modest amount? I bet same people have all the latest pink and purple numnahs and matching grooming kits! Good for you putting your horses welfare first. Using a worm count...

The idea of doing worm counts is that you can hopefully reduce your doses and not give a wormer. So it may be possible to give Equest Pramox in winter, then do three counts over the year and not need anything else. In some situations you might add a second tapeworm dose but that can just be an...

McSedge of course you are correct that worm counts do not show encysted worms, everyone using a worm count programme should be made aware of that. And yes a poorly youngster should be straight to the vet. However beware using that as a reason to not use WECs, properly that is. Read the BVA link...

Bear in mind the recent advice from the BVA http://www.bva.co.uk/1698.aspx Only use wormers when you really need to. Save moxidectin for encysted worms in winter. No more blanket worming or interval dosing advised.

Well Ester I hope that is not the case as I've been on a mission to educate everyone using our service, at least, and most are fine, interested of course in what is best for their horse and open minded enough to learn. What makes you think there is a lot of incorrect worm counting going on? Is...

A proper worm count programme, correctly run, is perfectly acceptable to insurers and much better proof of parasite status than simply using wormers. Don't forget the BVA want everyone to give up blanket dosing and to start to target the wormers where they are really needed. No more bunging in...

Lovely! Foxy got our old cockerel this week. He was about 5 or 6 yrs old, very sweet at looking after odd hens who wouldn't join the flock. I've got my incubator on test with eggs gathered to set so spring is definitely happening.

Mistral have you read the new BVA guidelines on responsible use of wormers, in H&H last week? Worm counts are the way forward for everyone so that we only use the wormers which are really needed. There is a real danger of there being no effective products left if everyone goes on blanket...

Thank you to all who have recommended us at Westgate. We always do our best for you. We have just completed yet more CPD (professional development) so that we can continue to be up to speed. Our prices are reasonable, as low as we can make them, rather than 'cheap', taking into account that we...

Blooming foxes. I've lost two cockerels to Mr Fox in the last few days. You can follow the tracks in the snow. In my experience shocked hens either recover and live or else give up and die. Mine are free range mostly and have a great life. Our fox problems are very occasional thank goodness.

I keep chickens and a few of mine have started back in lay. For your coop I would think more on the lines of a shed so that you have enough head height to stand up. It makes cleaning so much easier. Most of mine live in a converted stable and free range out. I do have a few small houses which I...

I have a gp and love it on my Welsh cob, very comfy. I like the serge half panel and it is easy to get them adjusted by Barrie. Mine is second hand but good as new. The leather quality is fab.

PP is needed because it is change of use of the land. I did mine last year. I got the forms then rang the office and talked the whole thing through with the planning officer. Therefore the thing was filled in correctly and went straight through. I drew the plans myself, very simple, adding a...

I've been struggling with a small amount of persistent mudfever on my Welsh cob's heels. Like you I had tried so many things. However we are now winning with pig oil and sulphur mix. I am bringing her in to a dry surface overnight (normally lives out) then applying the oil every morning when she...

Unfortunately I think you will find that anything and everything gets copied in the horsey world (probably everywhere else as well). It can be very cut throat and if you are a bit naive or new to it all (describing self here!) it can be very upsetting. When it goes well it is fun though!