1

Goats / Re: Did ringing the goats work?

« Last post by mart6 on Today at 08:00:46 pm »

Someone looked at them this morning, def a rig, what would the vet do and how much would it be? Would he be worth selling him as he is?

Vet charged me £100  after quoting £50    they cut sac/skin and remove testicle/s  took 20mins
Think sometimes one drops later pays to double check before you commit  or vet option adds up if you miss a few

2

Land Management / Re: overwintering on wet field

« Last post by Backinwellies on Today at 07:49:23 pm »

Could you restrict to small area in winter?    Put down a hardcore base large enough to feed on?

3

Land Management / Re: overwintering on wet field

« Last post by oink on Today at 07:41:20 pm »

Wet is wet  . It's my first year here but I did view the property last November and it was dry in areas, squidgy (technical term!) in others, and actual sitting water on a very small portion, basically where the reeds are at there worst.

I hear what you're saying about the soil structure and was hoping I could alleviate the worst of the pressure with small cows and low stocking density but I fear you may be correct. I was also hoping more primitive breeds would be more adaptable but obviously that will only get them so far. A field of mud is no good for anyone.

4

Land Management / Re: overwintering on wet field

« Last post by YorkshireLass on Today at 07:07:55 pm »

How wet is wet?
My concern is not just short-term poaching, but long term damage to the soil structure, getting docks and nettles on the disturbed ground instead of grass regrowth, and remember that standing in mud is bad for feet and legs. The disturbed ground will also dry out in ruts and ankle-breaking holes unless you bring in machinery to flatten it, which will then cause further disturbance.....

5

Coffee Lounge / Rat Poison

« Last post by JackandJill on Today at 06:58:27 pm »

Not a big fan of this sort of thing, but there are times when it is needed, seen a few types out there, inc Bromadiolone what kind of results have you all had, anything your recommend?

6

Land Management / overwintering on wet field

« Last post by oink on Today at 06:48:29 pm »

Hi all,

I'm in the very early stages of thinking about keeping some animals. I have two 4 acre fields, one of which is attached to a couple of acres of woodland. Both fields get quite boggy in places, especially in the winter. I've just moved in and currently letting the neighbour run some cattle and sheep every month or so, just to keep the grass down.

I only want a few animals, say a couple of cows and 4 sheep. I'm thinking dexters or Shetland for the cattle, not sure about the sheep. Anyway, finally to my question! I was wondering if it would be feasible overwinter the animals on one of the fields? Preferably the one attached to the woodland as I could let them for shelter / to control the brambles. My worry is that as it gets so wet it would just be completely ruined by spring but if it was empty from late spring till the autumn, giving the grasses / flowers time to seed, wouldn't the seeds regrow the meadow once the animals were removed in the spring?

I'm basically thinking strip graze one field from spring till autumn, then move the animals to the other field from autumn till the following spring.

I'maware I'm probably asking crazy questions and showing my ignorance but it really is early days and I appreciate all responses, positive and negative

7

Crafts / Re: Busy start to the crafting year

« Last post by Fleecewife on Today at 06:42:02 pm »

I'm wondering how you all got on with those projects and resolutions, now that six months have passed.


Do you all find it easier to do craft work in the summer or the winter?


Polyanya, have you got lots done to sell at Shetland week?  I can't imagine how you manage to make enough to stock a shop or a stall.  I'm the world's slowest spinner and knitter, so the only way I will be able to have items for sale is when (ok if) I ever produce anything beautiful on my rug loom.  I wish I had confidence enough in the things I make to feel I can offer them for sale.


I've spent the last wee while knitting knee rugs from commercial yarn, and experimenting with spinning a variety of fibres unfamiliar to me.  Now I feel inspired to go back to my old love of knitting socks, so I've been washing a special Hebridean fleece to dye - makes lovely soft muted colours.  It's an old lady fleece which is pale enough for the dye to show.  I'll add some trilobal nylon to the mix to make the socks a bit tougher - I hate spending ages producing hand knit socks only for them to get holes in 

8

Goats / Re: Did ringing the goats work?

« Last post by Scarlet.Dragon on Today at 06:10:54 pm »

What are you selling them for???  If meat then it won't make much difference, if pets then you're just passing the problem along so you should reflect that in the price of the sale... 

9

Sheep / Re: For sale: 4 Southdown ewes.

« Last post by Amanda413 on Today at 06:07:15 pm »

Thanks I will investigate further

10

Events / Re: Making the Most of Your Accountant 26th August, Carnoustie

« Last post by Rosemary on Today at 04:58:54 pm »

Em......
August 26th isn't a Sunday

 

Well, at least someone read it!!! Sorted  thanks for the heads up :-)