Author Topic: A new smallholder after Christmas (Read 3822 times)

Toots · « **on:** December 25, 2014, 05:44:53 am »

Hi all,

Thought I would say hello & introduce myself.

Have been reading the forum for a while but now we are finally moving into our old pub just after Christmas which has 3.5 acres (just got approval for change of use), I know I will start to ask for help. We've done some basics, like buying an old Fordson tractor, stock fencing the entire boundary and creating an enclosure for the 40 odd rare breed chickens my OH already has.

Got a CPH number ready for herd/flock registration for all the animals & when she hits 50 chickens, which will be very soon now.

I want to keep pigs, bees and maybe some goats, so if anyone can give me any pointers, please feel free to share your knowledge. If anyone has some good contacts within North Wales/Cheshire for pigs or bees please pass them on. Looking to start with two weaners to raise for meat, these two will be my leaning curve to ensure I can manage the process properly. My nature is a somewhat "right first time" approach so I tend to overthink in the planning stage. This way does have huge benefits but is frustrating for Julie (OH) as I "future proof" everything she asks me to do, so the process takes longer than she would like.

Cheers for now,

Prud & Julie

Lesley Silvester · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2014, 07:15:57 pm »

Hello and welcome to TAS.

Brandi · « **Reply #2 on:** December 25, 2014, 11:01:53 pm »

What an exciting way to start the New Year. All the best to you and yours for 2015

Treud na Mara · « **Reply #3 on:** December 25, 2014, 11:36:35 pm »

Hello and welcome from Caithness. Lots of good planning advice here.

hafod · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2014, 08:17:13 am »

Hi. We are on the north wales/Cheshire border too. We've bought in weaners from many places over the past few years. You could try Alison and dave at home farm in overton. Good luck and if you'd like to pop in for a coffee just get in touch !

devonlady · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2014, 08:29:11 am »

from Devon. Are you going to run the pub or just live in it as a home? Good luck with it, whichever

You'll find all the advice you'll need on here plus a lot of new friends (some of which you will actually meet but most you never will!)

Rosemary · « **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2014, 10:45:49 am »

Hello and welcome from Carnoustie

Bramblecot · « **Reply #7 on:** December 26, 2014, 11:19:39 am »

Welcome

and well done for getting your fencing right first! That makes for a good neighbour

Carse Goodlifers · « **Reply #8 on:** December 26, 2014, 11:23:33 am »

from a very cold and frosty Perthshire.

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #9 on:** December 26, 2014, 12:14:28 pm »

How exciting

Best of luck with the new venture; don't forget to post piccies for us to enjoy as you progress!

kelly58 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 26, 2014, 01:42:41 pm »

Welcome

exciting times ahead enjoy !

Toots · « **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2014, 05:09:17 am »

Thanks for all the replies,

Very much appreciated.

FiB · « **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2014, 10:46:05 am »

Hi from Bala , we have a brill bee keeper nearby and have had saddleback pigs and large black pigs nearby. Once you have decided on a breed I expect you won't struggle for nearby breeders. Deciding is the hard bit! Enjoy :-)

bazzais · « **Reply #13 on:** December 27, 2014, 09:53:59 pm »

Keep the future proof approach - and if the misses dont listen - just dont listen to her arguments. (well listen and just nod and do what you do) Its going to be a long game, and long games take alot of time.

But then again - do listen to her - dont get anal about everything - stuff goes wrong and work with it.