The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Introduce yourself => Topic started by: Llewelja on June 07, 2018, 09:38:17 am

Title: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: Llewelja on June 07, 2018, 09:38:17 am

Hi all, 

Just introducing myself .   I have taken on a new role as estate manager on a small holding and am learning on the job about care of sheep and poultry.  I’m feeling a little isolated at times so it’s great to find this forum. 

There are a couple of issues at present that  I’m struggling with.   We have four elderly sheep that need shearing and I’ve not been able to find a shearer.  Also I need advice on how to identify sex of ducklings.  Our 2 runner ducks have hatched 13 ducklings and will need to rehome the males.   

I would be grateful for any guidance/ info.   Great to meet you.

Jan

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: arobwk on June 11, 2018, 08:44:13 pm

Can't help with sheep & ducks, but hell(o) Jan.  I'm sure someone will come along shortly who knows about shearing & ducklings.

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: harmony on June 11, 2018, 09:31:31 pm

Welcome  :wave:


Ask the local farmers about clipping. Or ask in the feed merchant/farmers supply store.


Ducks quack. Drakes don't and they get a curl on their tail.

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: Lesley Silvester on June 11, 2018, 10:20:21 pm

 :wave: Jan and welcome to the forum. Can't help with your queries but someone will be along soon who can.

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: Penninehillbilly on June 12, 2018, 12:08:32 am

Hi Jan,
Just wondering what is causing 'Hell' in Sevenoaks  ;) :innocent:
I used to set to with a pair of large scissors on my sheep, luckily they were used to collars so tied up while I did it.
Or watch on YouTube, there's bound to be something on there to show how it's done.
I think it's about 12 wks before you can sex the ducklings, but it's a while since I had any, so I could be wrong.

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: Perris on June 12, 2018, 06:22:08 am

Hi Jan, welcome to TAS  :wave:
Unfortunate typo - I'm sure you're not that bad!  ;) 

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: nimbusllama on June 12, 2018, 08:28:34 am

Hello Jan
Not sure if you have tried this but it might be helpful, a few cover Kent.

http://www.stockkeep.co.uk/stockpersons.html (http://www.stockkeep.co.uk/stockpersons.html)


I agree with Harmony, ducks quack and drakes make a hissing sound  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: Rosemary on June 13, 2018, 08:37:16 am

No help but welcome to TAS from  :sunshine: ish Carnoustie  :wave:

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: honeyend on June 13, 2018, 09:01:42 am

Is it Sevenoaks, Kent.? There is a rare breeds place somewhere in Kent,https://www.rarebreeds.org.uk/find-us
perhaps they will have some leads.
There are also a few Facebook groups you could ask,https://www.facebook.com/groups/525138497593526/, there will probably a more local one.
  Having had a go at shearing sheep, its hard work, but not impossible to do and if you can not find a reliable shearer I would invest in clippers, electric ones.

Title: Re: Hell from Sevenoaks
Post by: Penninehillbilly on June 13, 2018, 01:08:42 pm

Looks like Llewelja hasn't been on site since first post ?