Nasty & Vicious

Tim Watson · Post by **Tim Watson** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 8:05 pm

I am really grateful for all your comments which have served to confirm my original opinions of the course lecturer.

Yesterday afternoon I went to see Beryl and spent a very enjoyable couple of hours being able to get answers and information to all sorts of questions. She also let me go out to see her Dexters which were in her yard. Despite the yard gate being open they just stood and let me walk amongst them quite calmly and didn't even head for the fields. I didn't move quickly and didn't attempt to touch any of them - just respected their space. Not one of them showed any signs of bad manners which given that they had never seen or smelt me before just serves to support everything you have all said and further highlights the total rubbish the lecturer was talking!
As we are total beginners, Beryl has advised that we get a couple of calves and feed them on so that they become completely at ease with us and being handled. That way when they come to calving they will be far less stressed about having us around. You should have seen my daughters face when I asked her if she would mind feeding some calves :D
Now I am trying to contact a local field advisor to come and check things out here so that we can be sure we can provide them with the welfare and shelter they need.
Thank you all for your support.

Penny · Post by **Penny** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 8:27 pm

Best of luck, Tim!
I wish everyone was as organised as you. I wish you many happy years with your dexters.

Tim Watson · Post by **Tim Watson** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 11:08 pm

:D :D :D :D
A lovely friendly cheerful lady came today by the name of Philippa Laing. She is one of the field advisors for Devon. We trudged around fields and barns and it just got better and better!
Verdict is - good ground and good buildings for starting out with Dexters.
Now to the next step!

carole · Post by **carole** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 8:51 am

HI Tim

Your a very lucky man as you have now met, in our opinion, the two best Dexter people in your area.

We met with Phillipa when we started and bought our bull from her, who is still with us.

Our herd has grown from 4 to 50 over the years and has been enabled by the fantastic advice we have had from various herd owners in the South west along with this wonderful website.

The next thing is to start going along to a few shows next year and meet the various owners who will all help you, just like this board really.