81

Sheep / Re: Ewe nuts for wether short term

« Last post by SallyintNorth on September 05, 2025, 08:42:03 am »

Probably not, but the consequences: cost, inconvenience and upset, not to mention the welfare issue, if you're unlucky...  Tup'n'lamb mix won't hurt ewes, so you wouldn't waste the rest of the sack...

82

Sheep / Ewe nuts for wether short term

« Last post by Richmond on September 05, 2025, 08:35:17 am »

I am sending some lambs off in a couple of weeks. They're all ewe lambs except one wether. My usual routine is to start feeding them a week or so beforehand to get them used to coming into a pen, then on D Day shut them in ready for loading. I'd like to buy some ewe nuts (rattle in a bucket better than coarse mix and easier to pick up if spilled) however I do realise these aren't good for wethers. But would it really matter just for a week or so?

83

Wildlife / Re: Swallows'25

« Last post by chrismahon on September 04, 2025, 08:12:40 am »

There were hundreds on the power lines here last week and we still have a few flying around in the evening. This time of year we have the front windows and door open all day, which must have interested one swallow that ended up in the kitchen trying to get out through the mosquito netting. Didn't put up any struggle though, when picked up and released. The nesting pair from the garage didn't return, so the arc welding planned was completed without disruption.

84

Wildlife / Re: Swallows'25

« Last post by Penninehillbilly on September 03, 2025, 05:32:57 pm »

We thought ours had gone, but 3 are still coming back to the barn, 2 youngsters and an adult I think, then this morning there were about 10 swooping and chittering, I think they usually go about mid September.

85

Land Management / Re: Strange field drains

« Last post by Penninehillbilly on September 03, 2025, 05:29:08 pm »

My initial reaction would be probabl rushes indicate blocked or severed field drains.

Unlike most people, I guite like rushes.  Quite a few Jack Snipe can be found in mine.

I like rushes too, to a certain extent! good for sheep to shelter in, pheasants to nest in, but when a third of the field is huge clumps that you can't get through, its time to reclaim some grazing!
I literally lost a sheep in one of the clogged areas, I was ill for a few days, then knew there was a ewe missing, after looking for her a few days, I could smell it.    Too late to help her, but a few days earlier...
So this year i've been making 'pathways' through the worst overgrown areas, I don't like using weedkiller, but there comes a time when my sheep are more important.
I was very proud of myself finding an old stone drain, husband decided to replace it, with a solid drain pipe! area is nearly as boggy as before .
Then he and his mate did the same with a big drain going across a field, admittedly it's confusing where all these drains come and go, but again the bottom corner is no better.
but of course they wont listen to a woman.   

86

Marketplace / Re: Small livestock trailer wanted

« Last post by Jaymac76 on September 03, 2025, 01:32:40 pm »

I was thinking of building a livestock trailer but was working out more expensive than buying a secondhand trailer, but you have planted the seed so I might go and look at some auction sites for used parts.

87

Wildlife / Re: Swallows'25

« Last post by Possum on September 03, 2025, 01:05:29 pm »

Our are all collecting on the telephone wires. About 40 of them this morning. It won't be long now........

88

Marketplace / Re: Small livestock trailer wanted

« Last post by Bywaters on September 03, 2025, 10:59:52 am »

I haven't got one for sale, sorry, and apologies for if this is an "egg sucking" reply, but, I purchased an 8ft single axle trailer many many years ago , which has proved to be very  useful and easily manoevred due to it's single rather than double axle.
If I was in the market for a small trailer, I would defintely look for a single rather than double axle trailer

I have refloored it twice, had to repair the tailgate hinges, fitted stock gates and also a rear support leg, but it's much easier to use than more modern ones

89

Marketplace / Small livestock trailer wanted

« Last post by Jaymac76 on September 02, 2025, 07:08:37 pm »

Hi All, I am looking to buy a small livestock trailer for transporting pigs. I am in central belt Scotland and willing to travel for the right trailer.

90

Announcements / New diary post: Autumn / Leghorns / Heather

« Last post by TAS Bot on September 01, 2025, 08:31:22 pm »

A new TAS diary entry has been posted: Autumn / Leghorns / Heather