[Somewhere_by_the_river]

Hello All! 

We're Angela and Jon and we moved to Carmarthenshire in the summer. We live on a farm, though as yet we only have access to the garden (which is much larger than the word makes it sound) and two of the outbuildings. We currently have Sussex chickens (though we are two down - mink got them the weekend we moved... though we got the mink too...!  ) and Pekin bantams, to which we have recently added a pair of Japanese green pheasants (in separate accommodation, I might add). We've been 'growing' chickens and fruit/veggies for years, but hope the move here will enable us to do more - we plan for bees next year to be followed by... watch this space! 

We're both wildlife artists and believe in 'the good life'. We are very excited about our new home (which is beautiful, if currently cold!) and the possibilities it presents to expand our smallholding experience.

Angela x

[Bionic]

Hello and welcome to the forum from another one in Carmarthenshire. We have been here nearly 2 years and love it.

[Somewhere_by_the_river]

Thank you 

I'm not surprised you love it - we've visited Talley and think it's lovely. We're just waiting for the better weather (!!) to explore the woods behind the abbey.

A x

[Backinwellies]

Well next time you visit Talley  drop in to visit me ...... but maybe not today!       

[Lesley Silvester]

  and welcome from Shropshire.

[Bionic]

SBTR, Linda (Backinwellies) and I are about 10 mins apart so when the weather gets a bit better you can come and do a tour.

[Somewhere_by_the_river]

Thank you All

when the weather gets a bit better you can come and do a tour

That would be lovely - it's always great to meet like-minded people, especially as we are relatively new to the area. As for the better weather... I guess this is payback for the good summer?! Still, that's what keeps Wales green and beautiful.

Angela x

[mickgil]

Hi guys welcome to the site

[Somewhere_by_the_river]

Thanks Mickgil

We were talking just last night re next step here, so hopefully will be looking out for more livestock - including advice from here - in the not too dim and distant. All exciting stuff and so many friendly people. I forgot to mention that I've been used to dealing with rhinos, zebras, goats, llama during many years helping out at a zoological park near where I grew up - 'different', but not so different from what I hope to be doing next 

Angela x

[Bionic]

Hmmm, llamas and goats are a possibility but not sure the rhinos and zebras will like the Welsh weather 

[Backinwellies]

Hippos may be quite happy!!

[Somewhere_by_the_river]

...Zebras are too smelly, if you ask me (especially Grevy's), but the rhinos are big softies and a personal favourite. Pygmy hippos would do a good job of muck spreading though (if you've seen them, you know what I mean) so that could be worth a thought for some, save on machinery/contractor costs... 

A x

[Hazel Hollow]

Hello from Hazel Hollow in Pembrokeshire, use to be a zoo keeper myself, many years ago.

[Somewhere_by_the_river]

Hi Hazel Hollow

Good to hear from you. The zoo was more of a 'second home' than a job, I spent a lot of time there helping friends. The place has changed a lot now, so I've not been in a while. Funnily enough we have another friend who started off as a zoo keeper (though that's not how we met her) and is now a wildlife artist, like us, and I met my husband at the zoo. I've always found those who work with animals to be much more down to earth and friendly   

A x

[rockstar]

Hi and welcome to this great forum merry xmas from Julian Deb and Ryan from our 2 acre holding in Llyswen Powys.