[knightquest]

OK then. As smallholders, what supplies would you like to see at your local shops?

As you may know, we have a pet shop. We currently sell small animals - rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. There is a moral dilemma insomuch as some people buy these animals for kids, they get bored and the animal is left to a crappy existence stuck in a hutch which is also described as a coffin by some animal welfare people. We have decided that we no longer want to perpetuate this process so will have some space in our shop to fill.

Hence the question - What smallholder type supplies are required on a day to day basis? These items will then hopefully take the space of the small animals. We are in the middle of a housing estate in Birmingham too by the way but all input will be much appreciated.

Thanks, Ian

[Sharondp]

Lots more people in urban areas are now keeping chickens - we find our feeders, drinkers etc are going to urban addresses, so maybe basic chicken keeping stuff?

[plumseverywhere]

I was going to say chicken stuff too - I remember being quite pleased when I found out one of the big pet chains started layers pellets, meant I could get the whole lot in one go.


I know what you mean about the moral dilemma Ian - I breed lionlops and g/pigs. They go to a pet shop in Alcester, warks. I know the owner and have seen the conditions so am happy to sell to him but you don't know what life they get after they leave the shop     quite often I sell privately but there is always that worry about what life they will get.

[Sandy]

Def chicken stuff, all the potions and lotions in sm aller quantities, I did go to Pets at home with our dogs yesterday and I see they have small bags of grit, chicken spice, small feeders etc .I would put in the odd, expensive fancy stuff too, like those egloo's, I love them, and all the accessories that go with it. I know of soooo many town people who now have a trio of hens so definitely fashionable.  Good luck

[Hermit]

We had a pet shop for quite a few years and wanted to start selling a few equestrian/ smallholding supplies but the wholesalers would not sell us those products as the 'proper' equestrian and agri merchants would not buy off them if they sold to us as well.  Hope that makes sense and does not happen in your case.

[Samantha]

what about maybe a few books on keeping chickens / growing your own food ?

Sam

[knightquest]

Thanks all 

We sell some chicken supplies now. I think that we will definately extend that range. The books are a good idea too.
I thought that I might approach some of you guys who make things to add to our stock levels - anyone interested? I thought that we could use it as an example of what a smallholder can do perhaps and give tips on how to get started.......just typing out loud ..............

I know what you mean Hermit too. We had a similar situation with fishing bait. Seems the big boys can't stand competition. 

Ian

[Hilarysmum]

Plumseverywhere Soap perhaps you could get together and have something designed just for the shop?

[Mo]

Our local Pet Shop takes orders for any specific dry dog food people want, mainly because they don't have the room to stock it. If space is a problem for you, you could consider offering similar for poultry food?
They ring customers when it's in so they can collect and some customers have a 'rolling order'.

[Sylvia]

Perhaps a shelf or two of smallholding books and accounts of folk who have bought farms etc. for the wish I could/one day I will people.
Definitely poultry stuff and most definitely poultry "toys", Urban poultry keepers will spend good money on gimmicky things for their hens as they will for their dogs and cats.

[plumseverywhere]

I could perhaps design a doggy/pet shampoo bar? lol Thanks for the plug hilary's mum!

[Rhodie]

Seeds, potting soil and compost, containers for urban gardeners (strawberry planters, potato buckets flower planters etc).

[knightquest]

Thanks for all the input folks. Lots to think about there. I'll let you know what we do.

Ian