The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Community => Marketplace => Topic started by: darkbrowneggs on July 26, 2013, 09:52:07 pm
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Hi all - as in my previous posts I am selling my property so all the poultry is being sold. A lot of the breeding stock has gone to new homes the length and breadth of the country, but it all being such a quick decision the incubator was still on with eggs in (couldn't bear to just switch it off)
So I have some really good quality Marans chicks for sale £5 each. Really dark brown egg laying strain and nice healthy looking chicks. Will need to be collected from Worcestershire asap so I can get the barn swept out ready to market the property
There are also a few Cream Legbars very good quality and from excellent layers of good blue eggs. See www.blue-eggs.co.uk (http://www.blue-eggs.co.uk) for piccies of the stock. Some chicks and some young growers. Pullet chicks £10-£15 each
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Jings, this is a surprise :o
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Oh gosh, I wish I'd asked for eggs from you this year. Too far to collect and love the look of your legbars :-\
It seems I missed your posts about selling up. Wishing you good luck.
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Hmm, my daughter has just tonight arrived in Worcestershire on holiday - wonder if they'd manage to sneak a few hens up for me? Well maybe not - hope you manage tore home them all soon, Sue. And good luck in the next stage of your life. :love:
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I have tried to place the best breeding stock with people I hope will look after them and take the lines forward, and intend to keep in touch with them.
For the moment I shall keep the www.darkbrowneggs.info (http://www.darkbrowneggs.info) and the www.blue-eggs.co.uk (http://www.blue-eggs.co.uk) sites going as there is so much useful information on them and assuming all goes well with the breeders who have taken the birds on I can forward enquiries
I have so much to organize at present as being a huge place, I have 25 years of accumulated "stuff" to sort out, plus all the "stuff" I brought with me from the previous 25 years, and Mum's and Grandma's "stuff" which seems to have washed up here.
The current plan is to travel for a while as I feel I need a real change and break to re-assess things plus I worked out that I have only had 7 holidays over my lifetime and 2 of those were school trips. :o So I feel a bit of a tour round this country to see all the bits I havent ever got to, and maybe a bit more adventurous later if it all goes well
My lovely Great Dane will need to be with me , so I am currently researching campervan type things (never even been inside one as yet) which hopefully will suit us both :thinking: and which I will be able to cope with (I am not all that agile at present) so if anyone has advice/hints/tips please get in touch
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PS - Thanks Doganjo - I am round pretty well most of the time so tell her to pop by if she would like to :eyelashes:
By the way I have "re-homed" the Peony to a very grateful friend, and my brother is coming next Tuesday and wants the cactus and orchidy things you very kindly sent.
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I'd have had some like a shot if I'd been closer, going to look at some CL chicks this morning to keep my solo CL x chick company when I let mum out but always wanted Marans, particularly the coppers..
Still, there's a part of me still knows I'm closer to giving up than I admit, and if I could sell the ponies I want to for prices I want to homes I want.. well, maybe one day ::)
If you ever need somewhere to park your camper and your Dane is hen and cat and pony friendly, I've a big drive and you'd be welcome to stop over on your way through Fife :) I love Danes, always wanted one but welcome an opp to meet one without the cost and commitment of another animal long term ;)
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That's really kind. :eyelashes:
I have never been farther North than Blackpool on an outing as a child. So Scotland and the Islands is deffo on my list - I am hoping I might arrange getting to the very far north in the hopes of seeing The Northern Lights, which is something I have always wanted to do and apparently 2013 could be a good year for them. Also those wonderful Megalithic Tombs and Stone Circles - and I've never been to Ireland either, so there should be lots to keep me interested whilst I re-charge my batteries
Great Danes are lovely in general, and I have kept them since the 60's, but my Phoebe is one of a kind, absolutely wonderful dog, and very knowing, the sort of dog that when you say "she understands every word I say" she really does. She's not a chaser of anything, in fact I have a photo of her and a slightly unwell young grower sunbathing together outside the back door last year, and if she comes into the poultry runs with me she just stands around and all the littlies run round her feet. :)
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as you no i came from south to the highlands very slow way of life no crime etc .So yes go for it there are some fantastic places best my fav Historic Scotland | Scottish Ten: St Kilda (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgEa-O7ojJs#ws) SCOTLAND- ST. KILDA 1908 - OUTER HEBRIDES - BIRDS - OLD FILM - RUNRIG (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX77F2l3GyI#)
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You are very welcome here too, Sue - I have had my sister's motorhome (a huge Sundance) parked here for a few months . It's now gone so plenty room for yours and a Great Dane sized a run if you want to explore the are without her. I would suggest you buy a modern van with just enough room for the two of you, rather than a bigger older one - I made that mistake and found I was unable to handle it too well, so hardly used it. You should still have my address and contact details, feel free to get in touch. x
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I am really surprised to read all of this but it sounds as if the decision will be a good one for you. It was seeing your avatar pic that made me get a couple of marans and I am very happy with their dark brown eggs.
If you fancy going to Carmarthenshire I have a bit of land you could park up on for a day or two as well.
Wishing you all the best when you finally get on the move.
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I wish you well in your new life ......I can relate to the not having a holiday part of your post. Last time I went away was 1988 to the New Forest. That's as far South as I have been, and have been to Scotland, as far as Ben Nevis, and that's it. Livestock mean no holidays.
If you set off on your travels, and want to stop off for a few Days round Derbyshire, we have plenty of room in our fields for a camper van - stunning view of Kinder Scout and Lyme Park stately home at the bottom of the road, and lots of other interesting places round about ....oh, and all our livestock to see of course!!
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Be good to have visitors that are smallholding friendly, don't need too much hostessing or an immaculate environment indoors or out ;) If you wanted a wee holiday run for your van before all the chicks go, feel free to deliver ;D and better still strap a shed or coop on the roof while you're at it :innocent:
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That's really kind of all of you, and I may well take up some of the offers once I get started :thumbsup: :D :thumbsup:
I was wondereing what size of van? For years I had a small Luton type van for moving furniture round, it was a long wheel base so around 15 16 ft I would guess and that zipped along quite easily and quickly. I often thought I could have lived in it :roflanim:
But I will need enough floor space for Phoebe to be comfortable and also as I am not that mobile now for walking long distances I had thought of getting one with a "garage" ..... I know I couldn't imagine that, but apparently there are lots.
If I stayed at farms, farm shop, pub type stopovers I can't imaging maneuvering it about would be all that difficult, and if I had a mobility type scooter I could park up outside any built up areas and drive in for shopping/sight seeing if I wanted to.
Anyway that is the current thinking, and if it didnt work I could trade it in for something else. As I say any input gratefully accepted as this is all very new to me. :o
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:o sorry to hear your giving up, as you know I was wanting some of your eggs but missed out
Had you not been so far away I would have definatly been buying your chicks
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I had friends who bought one with a garage - the fixed bed was over it. They made it into a 'kennel' for the dogs but it looked pretty big to me - big enough for one of those mini cars. So there might be room for both Phoebe and a scooter, so that if you were out and about on it she would still have somewhere cool to wait for you. I think they had a grid over the door so it could be locked and the door left open.
It had all mod cons too - cost about £25K I think.
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Hi,I too am really shocked and a little saddened to here you are giving up,you were so dedicated to thats what makes it so shocking.I also had some of your eggs on my wish list.
I'm sure you have your reasons and I hope you are OK.I would just like to wish you all the best,and good luck with your new adventure.It dose sound like good fun and I'm sure it will be.
Graham.
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As everyone else has said,shocked to hear your news and best of luck with your future plans.
I had an old long wheel base camper van for a while and I'd say don't get one bigger than you need if you want to go up little lanes exploring. My teenage son wouldn't let me go some places after seeing the incline marked on the map. Maybe just cos it was an old van though.
I'm sure you could go around the whole country parking up on Tas smallholdings, you're very welcome here if your vans not too big for the track.
Check out the caravan club certified sites - no more than 5 vans, basic facilities and only about £5 a night.
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That's interesting Doganjo - can you ask them what model it was and how they found it to live/travel in?
I hadnt thought about the garage bit but thats a really good idea getting a grid fitted over the back door, as it will be empty if I am gone and would be really good for Phoebe. That's the good thing about getting lots of input and ideas that would take you years to think of
I had also thought of maybe doing some house sitting type stuff if I decide I like "living" in a campervan
Though it would only be for chickens and dogs/plants etc, as I won't be fit enough now for much mucking out/milking type stuff :roflanim: But some people might like someone who knows a bit about stock to just "keep an eye" whilst they had a break. Over the years I have had milking cattle, beef and calves, sheep, pigs, and pretty well every type of bird, plus dogs cats horses and a vast variety of pet type things. And I know all about plants. So I might set up a little website thing to offer services. I am looking into getting my Criminal whateveritis done so folk know I am an ok sort of person.
Again its just a vague idea at present. If you can imagine all this has been planned in less than the last three weeks - as there is no way I would have put eggs in the inccy if I had even thought about moving, and the last hatch of Marans is just coming off today.
Basically having buried Mums ashes on 11th July which was her birthday and having a Celebration of Life for her on the Sunday after I suddenly found myself rattling round in a place far too large, no children and really no energy left after 30 odd years of looking out for Mum - so the time just seemed ripe for a change of direction.
If I don't like it then all I need to do is buy another place and start gardening, chicken breeding and house improving again. But I just feel I want a break to find out what I really do want to do.
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good luck sue
Having seen your place can see why down sizing would appeal, can't imagine finding a buyer for your place will be easy, good luck!!!
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Good luck in your new life, whatever it turns out to be :)
Carnoustie's nice if you get round this way. Plenty room to park up the van too.
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A rest and change maybe just what the Dr ordered.
We used to have VW campers, bit small maybe but just right for me and my husband and the dogs that we used to have, think too small for our 3 now but I would go with some thing like the Bongo or a converted big van, I saw one I loved with a log burner in it, that was my sort of thing!
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I thought about the Bongo last time I was changing my car. It's fine for one person and a couple of medium to small dogs, but not that big inside once it's fitted out as a camper.
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I was thinking on these lines http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-MASTER-TIMBERLAND-2-BERTH-MOTORHOME-CAMPER-VAN-2000-MOT-TAX-2014-/221258645800?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item33840b0128 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-MASTER-TIMBERLAND-2-BERTH-MOTORHOME-CAMPER-VAN-2000-MOT-TAX-2014-/221258645800?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item33840b0128)
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Looks super and the seller has re-listed it - surely didn't sell last time. Dropped the price from £7995 to £6695. Just a bit big for me to drive.
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i wish some 1 would keep the stock that's coming out the incubator when we started with leg bars the stock was a high standard we often spoke on the phone haw stock was coming on .So a egg market would work for dark brown eggs stock Marians etc .If i had the time i would have the stock for Scottish small holders .
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ok seriously central scotland peoples
I am going down to the midlands next weekend, sue's is a bit of a trek out of my way but i'd be happy to go past and collect some stock.
I could get a max of 6 birds in with all the kids and other stuff i'll have on board I want 2 marans if she has some left when i ask her (only worth my while going if i collect all 6 birds)
I can hold stock here until it can be collected or onward delivery can be arranged, is anyone interested...
I would make appropriate plans to ensure they travelled safely the 6hrs from sues to my place!!!
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What a lovely gesture David...not wanting any more chickens myself though :thumbsup:
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Thats fantastic lets get a wip round for the fuel . And get these hens in scotland
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the fuels covered i just need definite homes/buyers for 4 more birds...
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I could easily have them here but I already downsized ready to move and have no idea when we may move or if the next place is going to be instantly suitable....come on peeps...I am sure loads will want them up here, love the egg colour
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ok i have takers for 2 more so thats 4 need 1 more person who wants a pair of marans or there was mention of cream legbars in the OP as well
then tomorrow i'll try and get hold of Sue and hope she has stock left to reserve.
right all im off to bed I woke up in Arran this morning and with 4 kids it was a long trip home even if its not that far!!!
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Hi there its pitch dark and pouring with rain here, but I will have a count up when I go up tomorrow morning and let you know what there is.
How near do you think you are going to get to my area? If I can possibly get out and meet you somewhere I will, but the house goes on the market this next week, plus I have various folk booked in to collect stock and my brother driving over from Norfolk to collect a couple of things he wants so the foreseeable looks a bit busy :o If you are anywhere near Doganjo I have promised her a pair. They are not huge and I have a little carrier they could go in. I will check how many it will take, how much space will you have when you come down?
I am at WR6 5AG
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I had also thought of maybe doing some house sitting type stuff if I decide I like "living" in a campervan
Though it would only be for chickens and dogs/plants etc, as I won't be fit enough now for much mucking out/milking type stuff :roflanim: But some people might like someone who knows a bit about stock to just "keep an eye" whilst they had a break. Over the years I have had milking cattle, beef and calves, sheep, pigs, and pretty well every type of bird, plus dogs cats horses and a vast variety of pet type things. And I know all about plants. So I might set up a little website thing to offer services. I am looking into getting my Criminal whateveritis done so folk know I am an ok sort of person.
As I was reading the first posts I was thinking you could pay for your travels by house sitting around the country, what an exciting idea,
Sorry to read about your mum, I can understand how you feel, hope you find a way to let us know how you are doing and where you are, good luck.
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well looks like we have enough interest for me to go collect some chooks
will be in touch with all those i have had pm's from once i know what stocks still available!!!
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My earlier post stands as willingness if there is room for chicks - or I'd take older but sounds like I missed out there by going to bed last night ::)
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OK - Have sorted through - The incubators off and all the breeding stock has gone and this looks like the final list.
CL = Cream Legbar - see www.blue-eggs.co.uk (http://www.blue-eggs.co.uk)
CM = English Cuckoo Marans - good dark egg laying strain see www.darkbrowneggs.info (http://www.darkbrowneggs.info)
CB = French Copper Black Marans - good dark egg laying strain
MM = either French Copper Black Male over English Cuckoo Maran female (very successful cross) or French Copper Black, but can't be sure as tags missing
SS = Sugarnspice, my hybrid line giving brown green or blue eggs see www.misssugarnspice.co.uk (http://www.misssugarnspice.co.uk)
Wel = Welsummer a new project from v. high quality dark brown egg laying strain potentially really good stock
GOING TO SCOTLAND CONTACT BLOOMER
16 MM - Just out of incubator this week, have culled all the obvious boys
GOING TO SCOTLAND CONTACT BLOOMER
10 CL female chicks 2 weeks old
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22 CL female growers off heat for over a week £12 each
16 MM have culled all the obvious boys, off heat £12 each but someone is supposed to be having 10 of these
11 MM females about 6 weeks old £15 each + 3 free boys CB and MM if wanted for breeding on
5 Wel 6 weeks old should all be pullets, but a new breed for me £15 each + another 6 a bit older but same price if taking all + free Wel male if wanted
3 SS pullets £10 each
Some carefully selected males which I had kept for breeding on with
1 CM male £5 just off heat
1 CM male £10 half grown
3 CL Males potentially very good £10 each
2 Nearly grown CL males looking good £15 each
1 Nearly grown CM male £15
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Hi Ellied - you posted whilst I was typing out my long list, but I don't know if you are near to Bloomer? If he decides to come over that is
Scotsgirl is coming this afternoon and Suzieque came this morning, but at present the are still some nice birds. I just wish I could get in touch with the man who wants the 10 so I know whether he is going for dayolds or older. Originally he wanted dayold, then older, he has been promising to come for 3 weeks now, but it is arranged he calls tomorrow just can't get him to answer the phone to finalize
I also have some Crested Ducks see www.crestedducks.co.uk (http://www.crestedducks.co.uk) and some of another breeding project Tufted Geese
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ellied am just trying to work out how much stock i can move, if we got the 16 just out the incy i could keep them on heat here for a week or two or share some with you directly, any boys that slipped through would need new homes not here, although the youngsters are not going to be laying for a while its the best way for me to bring more numbers up :-)
just tallying my orders currently :-)
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If the "Scottish Contigent" are happy with the ones just out of the inccy then I am happy for you to have those gratis.
You have all been so good and supportive it is something which would make me happy to do. Then you can share them out between yourselves, though I would like Doganjo to end up with a couple of girls as well
I know I have some of those chick transporter boxes somewhere if I can just lay my hand on them they would be perfect for taking them home in
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annie is 5 mins from me she will get what ever she wants :-)
looks like i want the 16 just off heat if you have something for them that would be great plus some cream legbars but trying to work out how many currently
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Consider those yours, and if you have the space to take the 10 CL pullets plus a male have those as well and you can start a nice Cream Legbar breeding group up there. Uou could always share the male around so the neighbours didnt do too much complaining - I often got people asking me for Cream Legbars from Scotland.
When can you call over?
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ideally a week on tuesday so thats the 6th, we are in the midlands friday to tuesday but best to come to you on our way home would guess mid afternoon but can change time to suit you...
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Thats Ok but by then they will have all grown ie the 2 wk old will be quite a bit bigger, and the dayolds might not be good in the boxes, but I am sure we can sort it all out when you come, and lets face it they won't take up that much room whatever happens. After all when they huddle up to go to sleep they make quite a small bunch and presumably that's what they will do on the journey home.
Mid afternoon is fine - and you are coming to The Grange WR6 5AG, see you then, if you need to ph the number is 01885 482848 :thumbsup:
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i think i remember where it is, will see you then
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Thankyou Sue for the coffee and look around. The chicks have settled in nicely.
I MUST stop buying chickens!!!!!
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I don't know why you are thanking me for the coffee, when you left I found a jar on the kitchen table. I rushed after you but you were gone.
I will keep it till you come with Paul :eyelashes:
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Looking froward to a couple of girls, as it looks like our Marans may be all boys. Off out to try to get still photos of them - they keep flipping moving around :innocent:
Thank you Sue, and thank you David and the little Bloomers, anticipating that the chicks may be between Ben and Bekka on the back seat :roflanim:.
Hope you sell quick, and get a nice Camper, Sue and can visit us up here. Lots of places and people to show you so you'll need at least a month! :excited: :excited:
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Sue - you could just go from TASer to TASer staying a few weeks here, a few weeks there in your camper van with Phoebe - dispensing advice and wisdom to all of us in person ;D
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Thanks, will let Bloomer sort out what works for him and who gets what, but if there are any girls with my name on I'll be delighted. I have a CL cockerel so not able to cope with boys I'm afraid and if he can hang on til he's sure and they're ready to go out in a run that would be fab. :excited:
Reading the list it's probably as well I'm so far away and dependent on goodwill for delivery :D
Anyone seen a good special offer sale price on sheds recently.. ?? :innocent:
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If David brings them here with mine, I'll take over any for you, Ellie. I love my veggie lunches - you might even get some quail eggs if you're lucky :eyelashes:
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More to come
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A couple more
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Sadly they do all look like boys :(
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:wave:
Maybe we can all try to find you places to park up a mobile home, so you can see different city's etc up and down the country?
I have a huge driveway and am only a couple of miles outside Lincoln city centre ;D There is also a proper camp site just the other side of Lincoln in Hartsholme Park.
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We would be happy to have you and Phoebe to come and stay. There's certainly plenty of room for Phoebe to run around.
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DBE Sorry to see you are parting with your birds, they are a credit to you( fantastic coulored eggs!), iv'e hopefully managed to sort out some with Bloomer to keep your good work going up here in Scotland. Good luck with whatever life holds for you and enjoy the freedom of not being tied to stock :0).
BL
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okay sue
we want the 16 young marans
plus all 10 young and the cock to go with them, From various pm's and on here I have homes for them all including setting up some breeding groups in scotland
It will be nice to have helped spread the geographic locations of this stock.
From it all i get 2 Marens for my diddy flock as i really love their egg colour....
See you next week (will work out how to squeeze them all in somehow, have large cat carriers we have used for poultry in the past so will bring those with me)
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It would be good to get these hens sorted .So folk can get eggs in the spring the other cuckoo maran breeder is Mr Mick G Grogan
01847 841242, Caithness. Barnevelder, Marans: cuckoo, wheaten, copper black, copper blue. Cream Legbar, Barred Plymouth Rock, Welsummer, Welsummer silver duckwing some of the best barnvelder marans and shows at the natshnal . i do bared rock black rock silver lace roads but this breeder has some outstanding stock http://www.elainefranksartwork.co.uk/Elaine_Franks_Art_Work/Chickens.html (http://www.elainefranksartwork.co.uk/Elaine_Franks_Art_Work/Chickens.html) so we have some think to think about
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Sorry to hear your news and I wish you well for the future.
missed this, been away for the weekend. I've had birds/eggs off you in the past and was very happy with them.
Do you have anything left? Just musing how many would make the journey doable :)
Thanks Dogwalker for the nudge :)
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Sorry to hear you your news Sue. I wish I had noticed earlier as I would have loved the opportunity to buy some of your stock but I assume its all gone now!! Heres wishing you all the best for your adventure round the country!!!
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Moregin I think i will be full up, if there is any spare space what are you interested in???
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Don't forget we have 5 baby Marans here already - they may all be cockerels, need someone to look at them.
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Thank you David, that would be great if you had any room. A few females basically, as I already agreed to have one of the males you hatched from Annie. I have dog cages and a small poultry crate here if you want to borrow them for the journey.
Regards
Stuart
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Good luck in your new adventure :thumbsup: . You and Phoebe would be very welcome here, space to park up and enjoy the view 8) .
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Hi,
Just read the thread and wishing you all the very best for a successful adventure! I met a wonderful lady the other day who is also touring in a vw camper - enjoying the life with no regrets ! She inspired me to do the same one day - you have to dream your dreams a size to big so you grow into them. Hope you get to see the northern lights its one of my wishes too. Do let us all know how you get on.
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Only just noticed this too... :-[ a huuuge step for you to take Sue but doubtless the right one....perhaps your travels will bring you to the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds where you would be most welcome.....you could get to see how you helped us restart after the worst fox attack...and what has aided OH's rehab and given a focus.....
Wishing you lots of luck :sunshine: :sunshine:
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You have all been really kind, and thanks so much for the messages of support, and offers of places to visit as well :thumbsup: :D :thumbsup:
There still are a few of my "Black" Marans which are going to be lovely birds and good layers of beautiful eggs. They are from £15-£20 - I shall know after Friday how many are left, someone is travelling a long distance and I promised to keep some for him
And I also have some youngsters from my lovely Cream Legbar flock www.blue-eggs.co.uk (http://www.blue-eggs.co.uk) and I am particularly keen to for them to go to folk who want to set up breeding flocks. I shall keep the website running and it can be used as a free-of-charge "hub" for those with birds or eggs to sell or exchange as I would like "my" line to keep going as it has a lot of potential
And I was just starting off what promised to be a very good line of Welsummers. There are currently some growers available at £15 each
Also various pullet growers of my www.misssugarnspice.co.uk (http://www.misssugarnspice.co.uk) from £10-£15
I keep going and counting them all, then someone comes and takes a few from the various pens, I forget to make a note and its back to counting them all again ::)
Quick update - All the Welsummers gone
Another quick update - All the Black Marans gone
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I really wish I was nearer to you! I wanted to get some eggs from you for my girls to hatch, but they haven't been broody! I wish you well in your travels - you are welcome here in Surrey if you come down this way at all!