[Possum]

Why would I go to Ikea? Well, you have to get the curtains from somewhere. (I'm hopeless at making them) and I like their designs and prices. It's also useful to look at their room layouts when you are trying to create a new home almost from scratch. We moved into a run-down converted cowshed last year and are just about coming to the end of the renovation.


As for the smallholding, we have three weaners, three lambs (all destined for the freezer) four chickens and are currently raising some buff sussex chicks for the table. We have quite a number of raised beds for veg and I'm gradually creating a soft fruit area behind the polytunnel. Never a dull moment!

[TheSmilingSheep]

Dawlish & Possum - west country soul mates (excluding Ikea....)
We just moved down last October.  Have about 8 acres, and now have three cats, five chickens, two pigs (for a few weeks more) and a small flock of sheep (3 ram lambs & a wether were freezer bound, but due to canny overtures of friendships from wether and one lamb, only two will make it to the freezer, early next year...)

Hence Brendon '21' - slightly short sighted since with the pigs going we'll be down to 19, and I never factored in potential chicken losses (too painful!)....

Veg garden up and running.

Our skill set, in respect of animal husbandry and gardening, is having to grow rapidly.
I don't mind getting it all wrong if it only affects me, but I can't stand thinking that my inexperience / ignorance might have miserable consequences for poor hapless animal (back to my poorly chicken!).

Ho hum.......

[Possum]

There is a very good chicken vet near Honiton, which is about 45 mins from you. Called Stuart Young Vets. They are more than happy to give phone advice, free of charge, and I found them invaluable on the one or two occasions when I was worried and didn't know what to do.

[TheSmilingSheep]

Thank you Possum - v thoughtful.  Might give a call...

[Possum]

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

[NormandyMary]

Ive just GOT to ask! Where abouts in Dawlish are you? The Exeter side or the Teignmouth side, or up by the Bartons? My mum and dad lived in Dawlish for 20 years and my aunt lived there for years before them so I know it quite well and absolutely love it. Sadly, Ill probably never return, not even for a visit. If you don't want to say on the board, could you PM me?

[funkyfish]

Hello from across the water in Exmouth!

[NormandyMary]

Apparently, I was conceived in Exmouth!!

[AndynJ]

Nice crowds Brendon & Possum, & a hi to Exmouth (nice place)
 
We are of to rendells at Newton Abbot in the morn

[TheSmilingSheep]

Chicken update..... Miserable couple of days watching failing chicken... Husband called honiton vet today, they now charge (modestly) for any advice, so took hen to local vet.... All usual stuff ruled out, but dosed with anti biotics (£30). Fingers crossed. Thanks for support.

[AndynJ]

I accept I'm harsh but personally if I had one sick chicken I would separate it to make sure it didn't spread give it a few days see how it gets on I wouldn't spend £30 saving a single chicken, would be worth finding out which antibiotics your vet uses and dosage then order them off internet for the future.
 
I use tylan and inject just above the poop hole, unless its on deaths door then I inject in between the pelvic bones (Defra vet suggested this one)
Just an added thought the eggs your chicken lays shouldn't be eaten
Having quick chat with wife last night, what are you doing with your pigs ?
We maybe interested in having some meat, as we will not be keeping pigs until late 2014

[Possum]

Well.................. I think it depends on how many you have and how much time you spend with them. If you only have a few, and you know them well, it is hard to see them suffering.

[TheSmilingSheep]

It is hard to find a balance that suits. We could afford the vet, are not running a commercial venture, and hate the thought of our incompetence causing suffering.
It was tylan - might try Internet for future.
Chicken rallied greatly. Energetic this morning until the moment we gave her second antibiotic injection (in breast as shown by vet). Then very passive and weak until what looked like horrible heart attack, with seizures, this afternoon. Grim. Sad. First bit of animal death (for middle class London girl). We've learnt loads. Did our very best.
Delighted to have interest in the piggies but now spoken for I'm afraid.....will let you know if we do it again!
Thanks for the interest - this site does help.

[Possum]

So sorry to hear about your chicken. It is hard when the first one goes.   I'm not sure that your lack of experience had anything to do with the illness. Sometimes these things just happen. How many other chickens do you have and are they all well?

[AndynJ]

Yep agree, absolutely no blame, don't feel bad, watch the others really carefully for next 4 days, first sign of anything get the vet in to see the whole flock.
Hey we have all been there that lump in your throat actually gets sore.
Pigs, oh well, just thought it may well help, your thinking of not having pigs ?