Re: Flystrike is here


4) Remember that stock are not pets. They will get big, they may get
aggressive, you may not be able to handle them. There are people
terrified of their dog, sometimes even really tiny ones, maybe you are
that sort of person. However this doesn't usually apply to chickens, the
preferred food of your local fox. Geese are good, but you will need to
be dominant over the gander, who will attack you (and any burglars/
friends /dogs /children etc). Ideally you should have worked with farm
livestock before, I certainly wouldn't want to start learning on my own
part time at an advanced age (say over 40). My suggestion would be a
fox-completely-secure coop and some free-range chickens to start.

I would recommend permanent electric wires, attached to the outside of
the pen, about 6-9in and 2ft off the ground. Also on the gate. For good
measure another wire at the top of the fence should keep mink out which
can be an occasional problem. Foxes can chew through quite heavy
netting. Weldmesh is supposedly fox proof, but don't rely on a heavy
netting that can flex and they can get their teeth into. You will need
to use roundup to prevent weeds growing through the wires.

NB Mixed stock all in one field is actually OK IMHO.
The chickens will distribute the muck, looking for maggots and most of
the animals will have different grazing habits.

I think it is much what suits you. There is also something in Jill's
suggestion of rotation, but it is important to remember this is a
hobby. Moving the stock around is generally a pleasant task. You don't
want it to become a chore which takes over everything. At least, not
until you know exactly what you are doing. Build up slowly.

Probably a goat would be
good to keep the roughstuff down.

Arrggh. Goats are a sort of distilled form of trouble, and cannot be
kept inside any normal fence. Think carefully about anything you have
to milk. It is a big commitment and if you are intending to milk by
hand you need to have a good way with the animals. A house cow is a
nice idea, and a lot easier than a goat and produces nicer milk.
Dexter's are often recommended, but if you want cream Jersey's are good
too. But remember, it will produce far more milk than you actually
want. Make sure cost forms no part of the equation and that time spent
is doing something you want to do.

Its important to note, however, that
grass growth varies hugely over the season, particularly in drier parts
(like kent). So keeping the grass in good order (as a productive feed)
may be tricky.

NBB Kent.... kent .... hmmm.....

Very variable soils. Sands, downland, very heavy clay caps.
Not much that's very good. What soiltype are you buying?


--
Oz
This post is worth absolutely nothing and is probably fallacious.

.

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