The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: Birdie Wife on October 16, 2008, 01:23:11 pm

Title: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: Birdie Wife on October 16, 2008, 01:23:11 pm

Hello *waves* I'm based in the far north of Scotland, I grow lots of veg and keep chickens for eggs and meat  :chook: cool smilies!! 

I want to get some sheep too but I'm having dilemmas about breeds.  I have some grazing available and I basically want to raise more of my own meat and try to live more sustainably.  My husband (we are newly wed - still feels odd to call him "husband"!) does a bit of home tanning and other craft-type stuff so I was thinking of coloured sheep like Icelandics.  Looks like a nice forum, hope to pick your brains!

Katy

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: farmerswag on October 16, 2008, 01:30:38 pm

Hi there

From Scotland also but just darkest, coldest Aberdeen Shire, used to live in Inverness though.  Up you way occasionally at Quoybrae for the store cattle sales at the mart.  I have boring white Llyen sheep, like them really but would like to get some coloured  ones.  Let me know what you get and would love some pics  :sheep: :sheep:

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: carole on October 16, 2008, 01:35:40 pm

Hi from me in Brittany

Carole

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: Fluffywelshsheep on October 16, 2008, 01:38:09 pm

hello from fws in central scotland/me waves to Birdie Wife

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: stephen on October 16, 2008, 01:42:42 pm

hey welcome to the forums  ;D

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: garden cottage on October 16, 2008, 05:05:31 pm

Hi from the forest, lots of people with ryelands on here   neil

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: pigsatlesrues on October 16, 2008, 07:36:35 pm

Hi Katy from another Katie - Welcome from Normandy!

 :pig: :pig: :pig:

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: Rosemary on October 16, 2008, 08:11:05 pm

Hi, and welcome to the TAS forums.

I have Ryelands but I don't know how they woudl do as far North as you. Why not go for the traditional "local" breeds - Shetland, Soay or similar. Have a look at the Rare Breeds Survival Trust website for ideas.

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: doganjo on October 16, 2008, 08:17:35 pm

One of my friends had Hebrideans - they were mostly lovely animals except for the ram - he was called Satan - guess why!
Welcome from Clacks and a fake smallholder (only got chooks and dooks)
Annie

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: Francis Bacon on October 16, 2008, 08:59:02 pm

Hello & Welcome from me too  ;)
Regards
Donna

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: Tweedle on October 19, 2008, 05:10:40 pm

Hello From NH! and welcome  :pig: :chook:

Title: Re: Hello from deepest darkest Sutherland
Post by: Malc on October 20, 2008, 08:38:40 am

Hello fae ower the water in Orkney.

My advice is not to get too hung up on breeds at first. Best bet is to start off with what's available locally - preferably from a trusted, experienced neighbour who knows the stock and can pass on all sorts of gems of advice. Having said that, North Ronaldsay lamb is second to none and they look great.

Have fun.

Malc