Uses for a smallholding

DaftyDuck

I see that, earlier in the the thread, Dave said I'd be popping in with goaty views... amongst other things. Goats are great, so long as you start off recognising who's in charge, and who cleans, feeds, grooms, catches, feeds, coaxes off the roof, feeds, and pays the bill. Pygmy goats are not. Not anything, really. They aren't as interesting, intelligent, healthy. They can be easier to keep, and certainly easier to keep in. You can sell them for money quite easily, but most people wanting one aren't exactly expert keepers, so you need to wonder about their onward care. Not my thing really.

A couple of milking goats? Higher demands on your time, but more rewarding in so many ways. The interaction you get with them, the sheer pleasure, beats most other animals. Look up Golden Guernsey as a breed. If you do buy a pair, get the best you can get. If you want to keep milking them, you'll need to breed, and need to sell on the kids - always easier with quality stock. You can sell the milk for human consumption if you jump through hoops, and can make a very healthy profit on that and cheeses. You can just sell the milk without, but only as dog or cat food, just for cats and dogs, not humans...;)


Unlike sheep, goats really can be happily penned in a small area. They are dependant on you, and will interact with you more than the sheep. My goats come - individually - when called by name, and will go on command, one by one..... better behaved than most dogs! Unless they want to create trouble, then they do whatever. The sheep will come when called, but come as a flock, FAST!

I also have Bagots. Probably not possible with an acre, but they'll get out of anywhere anyhow, so you might as well consider the exotic options. They climb trees, use their horns to undo bolts and knots, dig under fences, pull electric fencing down by the poles (or horns, if attached to wooden posts), terrorise the sheep, chase the horses, and stand on donkeys. They are clever, and also a bit evil, with a sense of humour. I think they are fantastic, but they are hard work.

If you do want sheep, there are plenty of tiny sheep that need little space, and you could manage a tiny flock. Ouissant are the smallest and, again, command high prices if you buy or sell quality stock. Others, like Boreray, are hardy and sought after, and are much cheaper to buy. Their meat is prized by quality butchers.

Things that flap I don't keep, well not unless they are wild. I love eggs, but nobody could love me if I eat them! Little point in having them and their tempting, lovely yolkeyness ... The very thought makes my guts rumble :eek:

My principle here was just to launch in, hope for the best, soldier on. Seems to have worked, bar a few injuries. To me, not the animals..:D. I did intend for no livestock in the first year while I sorted stuff out (it's more of a medium holding in size, and growing as I buy bits more land), but that lasted one day since purchase.

Look up your local smallholder group. Also look up the Rare Breed Preservation Society, and head off to the Kent Show (and smaller local shows) for advice and stock. Rescuing is all very well if you don't want to sell, but it's easier if you start with top quality stock.

But, yes, dive in and enjoy... :D:D