Sallygarden Smallholding - The Forum For Sustainable Living

Hi, we are a recently arrived family from Scotland to Co.Mayo. Renting at moment until we can find 'the one', looking to do all my homework just now re; chooks, housing, feed,polytunnels etc so (if all goes to plan!!???) I have done the donkey work whilst I'm in a house/garden that I can do nothing in! Can anyone help.....hopefully without looking to travel too far..maybe farmers markets etc....many thanks, from a full of hope and expectation mummy xx

Hello klankelly,

We also moved over from Scotland to Co. Westmeath 4 years ago and rented for a wee while, we now have our own cottage with just over 1 acre and we keep ducks, chickens, pigs and dugs. It takes time to settle into a new community and find where everything is, I strongly suggest you start in the pub!!!! Good luck in Mayo.

Morag

hi, thanks for the backup...nice to feel that you are not the only one in this position! Did you just "ask around " with regards to buying your animals or did you find them via the internet? How doyou find your pigs? that is our idea too, we had chooks in thegarden in Scotland but pigs' would be new!! Nice to hear from you, have a lovelyChristmas, Sue

Hi Sue,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all in Mayo.

I found our local hardware store a great help when looking for supplies, as we live in the country they supply most of the agri. stuff around here. The Buy and Sell can be a good source under the "farming section", but the best way we found was just asking around. The school that our kids go to is very small and most of the parents are farmers or work in all things country so they helped. I,ve got to know a lot of pig breeders over the past couple of years so I could help you with that if you want any further info. Its great fun although not without its challenges, you would be most welcome if you wanted to visit our humble abode and see what could be done with an acre.
Best wishes

Morag

Hi there

Welcome. Just keep asking people where you might get some chickens ... ask shopkeepers, the postman, the neighbours and soon enough you'll find a contact. Other than that check the Buy & Sell or ask if there are ever poultry at the local Mart, for example near us poultry and goats are sold at the gates of the monthly horse and pony mart.

All the best, Rebecca

Hi Morag
thanks for the visiting offer, I'll definetly try and get over and get some tips from you! where abouts are you in Meath? (i'll try an AA route!)Meanwhile, I'll start asking around.....although best I find a house first eh?? xx