Hello everyone.
This is our dream finally in the makings. A few set backs above and below us but also hoping to be in before the end of August. We are changing from our large garden (with room for veggies, big greenhouse and chickens) to a total of 4 acres. The house and garden I think possibly is around half to three quarters of an acre and the rest is a big field.
I have had chickens for over10 years - I have previously hatched under a broody resulting in 3 chicks and one was a girl until he crowed. Then we had to do the deed. Can't say I enjoyed doing it, but we did eat him and by the time the feathers were off it wasn't the same bird so much easier to process. We aren't allowed roosters here. So over the years I introduced 2 new girls to carry on as I anticipated the old ladies to dwindle to zero. As it happens the 2 newbies have gone and I have a 10+ year old pekin and the last remaining chick buff Sussex that is a cranky old ratbag at 9 years old. They are currently at a friend's field while we tidied up and sold the house. We have had Orpingtons, marans - cuckoo and wheaten, pekins and a silkie in that time. Now I'm making a list!!!
We are also impatient to move, but in the meantime doing lots more homework. We have decided on a large Rhino greenhouse. Very impressed with them. I can't see any polytunnels in the area via Google satellite but we would like one of those - a little exposed so will have windy weather at times.
Once we exchange we will join the Devon Association of Smallholders and we need to go on a few more courses. We have an old orchard that hasn't been touched in over 10 years - same for the rest of the land, although the farmer trims the hedges and cuts and bales the hay. Hoping to make lots of apple juice and cider! But we'll take it as it comes and enjoy it all while we can.
Getting my chooks back is my main priority - I see them almost daily and it's always a wrench to leave the old fogeys. Meanwhile friends are hatching chicks and I shall be having a couple (brahma and Swedish flower) and then I'll be getting more!
Homework also includes deer prevention! But just in the growing area and garden. They can play as much as they like in the part of the field we won't be using just yet!
Other interests are patchwork and quilting - I've found Bampton has a quilt group whaheyyy! I'll be giving them a ring soon! I also enjoy nature studies - something new and I'll be in a book or on the internet trying to find out what it is! And I'd better stop before this turns into a novel!!!