[Stellan Vert]

Hi from Shropshire 

We have, today, recieved our CPH number 

We are now a real smallholding

So now we can have some animals 

 

SV

[Rosemary]

Exciting times 

[Lesley Silvester]

Woohoooooo!  You're official. 

[Bionic]

There will be no stopping you now 

[ellied]

Congratulations 

And now you get to decide what other specific stock type numbers you're going to apply for - the bureaucracy never ends     So what are your plans - flock number for sheep?  Start with under 50 hens and not need registration yet?  Or all in one go and paperwork flowing like rain? 

[Beewyched]

Well done    can't wait to watch your "stocking up" progress 
 
You only need 1 pig to need a Herd Number     Not, of course, condoning keeping a lone pig 
 

[Stellan Vert]

Hi 

Thank you

Hi Beewyched

We plan on a couple of pigs, 1/2 dozen sheep and chickens, plus loads of bees.

Arranged flock and herd Nos yesterday 

SV

[Fanackapan]

Exciting times indeed, checking out breeds that suit you best.
Though have to say I am disappointed you aren't getting any Hefelumps or Woozels

[Beewyched]

sHi SV 
Wow - you've been busy 
Have you already got housing/paddocks on your place or is that the next stage? 
Not sure if this is a good year for starting with bees - I lost mine this winter (after they survived the previous 2    ) & have been looking for replacements - crazy prices - so it looks as though my 2 hives will be sitting empty until next year, unless a local swarm takes a fancy to a ready made home (not that I've seen a single honey bee in our garden this year     )
There's nothing like having your own hens fresh eggs for breakfast    even the supermarket's free range don't come near to the taste - have you decided what breed pigs you'll get for the accompanying sausage & bacon ? 
 
 
 

[Stellan Vert]

Hi 

Thank you Beewyched

We have been very busy, when we took over the holding it had had nothing done to it for years. The house looked like sleeping beautys cottage, briars growing over the roof and boy don't they burn well

From under the briars we have found several sheds, all kinds of bits and bobs.

The OH would like portland sheep (or one of the rarebreeds), I would like large black pigs.

We have been really lucky with our bees, we were given an ancient WBC; then we gained a really grumpy swarm which have thrived and relaxed, we might get some honey this year.

SV

[Beewyched]

Ooh SV - I'm so jealous 
 
You make it sound like a mixture of fairytale & a dream with an pinch of  mystery & discovery 
 
My OH has wanted sheep for a long time, we nearly got some when we were up in Scotland the last 4 years, but we weren't able to rent the room we needed.  Hoping now that we are back home that some of the local leases are up for renewal 
Not kept Large Blacks myself, but I've been told they are a lovely breed (just too big for me    ) & I think it's one of the rare pig breeds that is really under threat at the moment - there are a few folks on here keep them & are members of the RSBT who could help you put together a good quality breeding herd 
I love the look of the old WBCs, my father used them back when I was a child - several moons ago     I find the Nationals easier to handle & bought apex roofing to make them look a bit more "traditional" - just need some residents now