Our Goats Move into Their New Home

I wanted to have great news to report of sales, Sales, SALES from the event at Tractor Supply Company last Saturday, but nature had other plans. Sean and I got ourselves up and at it early. By 7 am our fantastic new, green truck was packed full to bursting with a crate of seven annoyed roosters, the portable pen Sean constructed to show them in, an inventory of Scent Shots, our home-made soaps, our Farm Chick Chic Rope Scarves and Necklaces with their adorable clips, my mosaic Eggshell Pendants and banners, tables, displays... all the things I thought I would need for this- our very first event. The event which should have run until 2 pm, lasted until 11 am. We lasted slightly less than that. With the wind whipping at 20 miles an hour and the temperatures hovering in the 30's, our spot on the shady side of TSC's parking area was unsheltered and unbearable. Visions of my newly designed and freshly purchased banner and canopy tent flying away to land in a broken, tangled mess mingled with the fear of our jewelry, scent tarts, and other products suffering the same fate. Vendors with trucks and trailers loaded with chickens, turkeys, pigs and more, sold their items from still-packed vehicles until it was clear that Mother Nature had won this round. I consoled myself with the purchase of a dozen new day-old pullet chicks; six White Leghorns and six additional Rhode Island Reds. That gives us a total of 17 new hens for this year, all of whom should begin laying eggs in August.

Undaunted, we view this as a trial run for packing our wares, which all traveled beautifully and returned home safely. We have a craft show to participate in this coming Saturday. This one takes place inside, so we are much more confident that the weather and wind will be far less worrisome.

Saturday was not a complete loss. Being home earlier than anticipated meant more time to get much needed work completed around the farm. Sean and Daddy Dale installed new rails to the pig yard and I coaxed Ebony and Patches back down over the hill to their regular home. They did not appreciate the work we put into making it comfy for them until their grain was eaten and they had a chance to look around. I think they recognized it well enough. It took no time for them to bury themselves under a fresh bale of hay in the back corner of their shelter and settle in for a nice, long snooze.

Piggies moved, Sean cleaned out their stall in the barn. Our pigs are such clean animals. Despite what you might have read about foul smells and the like, pigs are really easy to keep and like to be clean. Sean had only one load of refuse to remove, all piled neatly by the pigs themselves into one corner. It took just a few minutes to have the stall completely cleaned and ready for some of the goats to occupy it. I know I will get some well meaning comments and concerned emails about immediately moving in animals after moving out different ones. Those comments and concerns can be well-founded because of the potential of contracting a disease or worms and parasites. But, several factors led to our choosing to do this move anyway. First, the does are already being treated for worms and parasites. Having just kidded, it is our practice to routinely worm our does after they do. Besides the several reputable sources in books, online articles, and the advice of our trusted vet, our personal experience has led us to choose to worm our does after they kid. Secondly, as much as I enjoy my little bundles of fur, I could not abide one more day of living with seven of our goats inside our house, basement or not! They had to go to the barn. Since that was the case, they needed a safe place to be in the barn. The former pig stall was it.

It was no easy task to move the goat mommas to the outdoors. They had become fully accustomed to their cushy digs and were reluctant to move back into the barn. We thought the easiest way to coax them to follow us up the stairs and outside was to simply carry their kids away. They noticed us taking their young away with us, but beyond a bevy of frantic, repeated callings of "meeeeh!", they were unwilling to follow. We settled the four confused kids in the stall, closed the door and tried plan B. This consisted of grain in a bucket. That got Rachel and Leah's attention. They followed Sean with little hassle to get to the grain he had to offer. However, Ruby had grown so fond of being pampered, even grain would not convince her it was time to move out. Sean ended up carrying her upstairs and outside.

I am happy to report that all of the animal inhabitants of Lally Broch Farm are now safely and happily living where they will for the rest of the year. Eventually, the does and their kids will join the main herd and come winter, for our convenience, the piggies will once again live in the barn.



Thanks for stopping in for a visit.
Sean and Sonja ♥

What's Cooking?

I know I have been posting a lot about the freezing temperatures, but besides the fact that we love our animals, part of our building a successful small farm hinges on the livestock we care for. No livestock equals no eggs, cheese, soap, etc. On our shoe-string budget, we cannot afford losses that can be prevented.

In our normal schedule, we feed and water the animals mornings between 7am-8am and afternoons between 3pm-4pm and Sean checks everyone again in the evening between 8pm-9pm. Today, (and for as long as this cold front is visiting us) we also check on them around noon time. When the temperatures are near zero outside, it doesn't take long for there to be a problem. Thankfully, everyone is handling the cold okay, so far.

Neither Sean nor I have any kind of veterinary schooling. Sean worked in a pet store for years and gained some knowledge in caring for small animals, like bunnies, chinchillas, lizards, and exotic birds on the job. I have some training for CPR and advanced first aid for people. Any knowledge we think we have comes from our own experience in caring for animals and advice we have been given from other farmers, our vet, and reading on subjects in books and online. Despite this limited formal knowledge, we firmly believe that animals, like humans do best when they get the vitamins and minerals they need from food sources instead of medicines, injections, or pills. To stretch that a little, we also believe that many illnesses and injuries can be avoided by a good diet. This is especially true under adverse conditions, like enduring freezing weather for days at a time or animals undergoing the stress of pregnancy on their body. With these thoughts in mind, the animals all receive special rations on days like this, in addition to their regular fare.

Oatmeal alone is not a sufficient source of nutrition for poultry, but it can be a very good supplement, especially cooked and fed on cold days. Oatmeal provides many of the nutrients necessary for their growth and development. Oatmeal contains a number of B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and choline) and other nutrients including: calcium, copper, magnesium, fluorine, zinc, and iron. Though our feathered friends cannot tell us so, I imagine that warm oatmeal feels good in their bellies, much like a warm mug of cocoa does to us on a cold day. And, the simple act of digestion can do much to assist in keeping their core temperature elevated. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers Bulletin states that baby chickens that receive a healthy amount of oats in their diet will grow stronger and healthier than baby chickens without the oats. I add apple slices, mashed banana and molasses to the oatmeal. Our flock loves it.

 

Our Vietnamese Pot Belly Pigs are Mainers, born and bred, but they do not like this weather at all. And, who can blame them? Of all the animals on the homestead, they are the least equipped to handle it. They have very little hair or fur covering their bodies and absolutely no feathers to help keep themselves warm. The best they can do, is dig under their pile of hay and snuggle together for warmth. It works for them, but I am certain that they are dreaming of spring each night. In addition to their daily grain ration, on days like today, they will also get some fruits and vegetables. Today, they enjoyed pieces of pineapple, some chopped up banana and broccoli heads. I considered giving them some oatmeal, too, but won't until I do some investigating into it's suitability. Contrary to popular beliefs, pigs shouldn't eat all the household's left overs. Avocados, chocolates, tomatoes, and potatoes can all be toxic to pot belly pigs.

I tried to capture a good photograph of the girls in their hay, but as soon as they heard me in their stall, they emerged from their pile of hay, eager for what treats I had with me. This was as close as I could come. Ebony is still quite covered. Patches nearly ran to me as fast as her stubby little legs would carry her.

 

  

The herd of goats (and Jasmine) are handled a little differently than the other animals. For one thing, too much grain can cause very serious rumen problems that can, in themselves, be fatal. For another, Jasmine is not only wearing her own thick winter coat, but Meaghan has her wearing a winter coat. So, while we do increase their grain rations on cold days, it is not increased by much. It is much more important to have all the hay they can eat and fresh water available to them. The act of chewing their cud and digesting their hay does much to keep their core temperatures up. Also, as herd animals, they share body heat by standing close or laying down together in their bedding. Their barn stalls are noticeably warmer than the outside air.

 

Ellie, who is still weaker than the others (and living in the basement), is getting an addition of fresh greens (kale, collards, or mustard), with broccoli, and banana every afternoon. The extra B vitamins, iron, and potassium seem to be having a positive effect on her rebuilding weak muscles and gaining in health. I posted about the nutritional benefits of these veggies In This Post and In This One, so I will spare you the repeating of it.

 

It is nearing 4 pm and is time for us to make the afternoon rounds. Thanks for visiting with us. We're really happy you came by.

 

If you live in colder climates, what extra precautions do you take to keep your animals healthy?

 

Sean and Sonja ♥

 

This post also shared with Tilly's Nest & Wildcrafting Wednesday & a fabulous new hop:



 

Piggies New Winter Home

Among the other things that either were or are in the process of being completed over our "stay-cation", our Vietnamese Pot Belly Pigs were moved to their new home in the barn. This move was necessary for several reasons. Their normal quarters are sufficiently draft free and warm from Spring until Fall, but will not stand up to the harsh Winters in Maine. Once the snow really hits, shoveling a path to them each storm, though possible, becomes a less than appealing venture. It is more convenient to have all the critters just across the driveway, snuggled in through the cold months. With all this in mind, it was time to make our semi-yearly trek.

Last time, this move took over an hour to complete. And, in the end, Patches was coaxed onto a blanket. Sean held one end and I the other, and we carried her down the hill, balanced precariously between us amidst squeals of horror- mostly coming from Patches (ocassionally coming from me!). This move was much better executed to the delight of all participants.



I have several more entries in the "edit" phase, which I will finish for you over the next few days including the status of our barn building marathon, an update on Ellie, and a visit to Wolfe's Neck Farm yesterday, where Sean and I were given a tour. Stay tuned, friends!

Thanks for visiting today.
Sonja ♥

A Pig in a Blanket...

What a busy day so far!

Sean replaced the copper piping from the kitchen sink that has not been draining properly for a week, with new pvc pipes. We shall know in a few minutes if it is repaired- meaning: the sink will drain, my dishwasher will work, and neither of these things will flood into the basement. All that remains is to clean and sanitize all the dishes that have been just sitting, waiting to be washed and to scour the basement floor which has caught its share of nasty water during the week's "fixing" of it. I am so proud and happy to be married to a man who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, try new things (even when he's out of his comfort zone), and NEVER gives up.


 I can happily report.... IT WORKS!!!

After he got the new pipes plumbed, he replaced my lawn mower belt. I took that time to load a wagon full of fire wood to get the girls started on that chore, when they get home today and I replanted some flowers into new pots and planted some lettuce in pots for the porch. Once the mower was again in business, I mowed the back lawn and Sean finished the fencing around the new Piggie house and emptied the shed of it's winter burden of odds and ends. These Sean will sort and move whatever is of value tobe kept into his wood shed and he will dispose of the rest. We bartered with our friend Laurie some eggs and grocery items for 2 hours of her weeding in my back flower garden. While Sean and I were working on our yard projects, she went to work! She did a fantastic job! And, brought us some rhubarb, too. I think I will make some apple rhubarb crisp for Sean's dessert tonight.

 It took us about 45 minutes to coax the pot bellies to leave their home on the hill and move to their new spacious yard. They were not pleased with the idea. Patches gave in to her stomach and followed a tub of food into the new pen. Ebony was having none of that! She grunted and growled. She walked three times the distance in the wrong direction. Sean tried rigging a leash for her. I tempted her with grain. Nothing was moving that pig! Finally, Sean grabbed an old blanket. We wrangled Ebony onto it, and with Sean lifting one side and me hoisting the other, we carried her squealing and unhappy down the hill and to the side of her new pen. I had the head, so I opened that side. Deciding any fate was better than another ride like the one just experienced, she walked into the pen of her own accord and immediately started digging up some muddy bits.

This is hog heaven. Some green grass, some fresh dirt to dig in, fresh hay in the 8'x8' water proof stable with a nice window for added light. The building lists to the left, but that shouldn't bother its new guests. (The overall plan is to completely replace their housing next spring, after the barn is finished this year.) And, we still need to fix the door, which had lost one of its hinges over the winter, but that is an easy fix. Later this summer, when the chicken coop gets its new cedar shingles, the pig palace will get new cedar shingles, too. So, we are not done, but it is an honest start to our day. And, as I write this, both piggies have wagging tails and a happy countenance.

Now, Sean is getting us some hot water for much deserved showers and I am sitting for a minute debating on what to have for breakfast, since it is past 4 pm already. I am thinking cheeseburgers on the grill and salad. I am exhausted, but the dishes are washing, the wood is getting stacked, the sun is shining and this country girls is very, very happy.

Have a great day, friends. I hope you enjoy the sunshine.
Sonja ♥

PS. If the ducklings are girls, their names are Becky and Kimmy. If boys, Dale and Ryan. And, if there is a mixture, well, we'll see!

Livestock Updates: Videos May 24

It was brought to my attention today that I have not updated you on the regular goings-ons around the farm. I agreed and thought I might take some time to do that today. Today turned into tonight before I knew it and now, it is 10 pm and I am finally settled to unwind before bed.

Equine:
Jasmine has been put into service in assisting us to mow the lawn around the front part of our lawn which is desperate to become a pond. It regularly has 2 feet of standing water in the middle. It is my hope that this year, it will get its wish. In the meantime, Sean put up a temporary fence around it. I can't mow there, but Jasmine is having the best time eating the foot tall green grass growing all around it. She has not been eating very much of her hay, preferring the greens in her pasture, which is a good sign for this time of year. Meaghan spent the last two weeks brushing her winter coat from her and she looks just gorgeous.

Caprine:

Sean and I finished installing a gate for entrance into the goat pasture today. That makes bringing Ellie out for her milking much easier. We suspect that Pepper might be pregnant. I bought a pregnancy test, but getting her to pee in the cup, has proved more difficult than anticipated. If she is, that is a good thing; as a 2 year old, she is ready to be bred and we had planned on breeding her with Jedi this year. Leah and Rachel are growing and healthy. Asher had a milk goiter on his neck. (This is a swelling cyst on the chin/neck area of a nursing goat. Sometimes it comes to a head and ruptures. We feel it is better to lance the goiter with a sterile needle, drain it, and treat with a topical iodine or alcohol against infection.) This happens often with young goats and though it looks horrible as it swells, it usually remedies itself and did for us this time. Abigail is not showing any signs, and like her brother is growing like a weed. Notice how much bigger both Abigail and Asher are compared to Buster! Jedi is in need of a hoof treatment, which he is scheduled for on Sunday afternoon. He will not like the process, but will feel much better after it is done. And, it is time to administer routine worming medicine all around this weekend, too.

Porcine:
Patches and Ebony are glad that weather has changed. They did some housekeeping and removed all the hay from under their shelter. They are scheduled to move to their new home this weekend. I know they are really going to love the new place, though they may miss the ducks company, initially. I will take pictures and video of their new place. It seems like this move is taking forever, but I guess that is because I am anxious to see them settled. I know they are going to love all the room in their new yard and home.

Canines & Felines:
There are no new happenings to report about the dogs or cats (thankfully!) if you go under the premise that no news is good news. They are all accounted for, healthy, and other than needing baths, which is on the list for this weekend and a hair cut for Angus, everyone is doing fine.

Lagamorphs:
Bridget has moved to her summer home and is busy digging escape holes from inside her house. She might as well be a wild bunny through the warmer months. There has been more than one time, that I have looked out the kitchen window to spy her sunbathing on the wrong side of her fenced area, this being our queue, to move her home over, so she can begin again with her digging endeavors. Edith is in need of her monthly teeth clipping. I am sure Sean will take care of that this weekend, too- just not when I am around. While I am normal impervious to handling or assisting with any necessary vetting, but when it comes to this chore, Sean is on his own! I cannot deal with it. Thankfully, he can, as his routinely doing it, keeps Miss Edith alive and able to eat and drink properly.

Avian:
Sean finished the roof of the chicken coop last weekend. This weekend, we are expanding every one's fencing to give them twice the room. It is almost time for the ladies to be on pasture part of each day, which means, it is time to build this year's chicken tractors! Today, the chicken and duck hens laid 20 eggs! This is a new high count for us.

Sean and I candled the new incubating eggs and were pleased to find that 27 out of 28 eggs are growing normally. One of them contained the tell tale red blood ring of an egg that failed to develop in the early stages of chick development and needed to be removed. The eggs are on day 11 of development today. They are due to hatch on June 3.



The ducklings are thriving. They had their first play date outside today with me. We all enjoyed that very much. I especially loved today's discovery. When I went inside to grab my camera, they ran to the side of the cage peeping madly as soon as I got out of their sight. When I walked to the other side of the cage to sit near them to snap some pictures, they ran to the side I was sitting on. Based on that behavior, I had a hunch that the ducklings had imprinted successfully on me. When I took them out, my suspicion was confirmed. Just writing this makes me smile. I was so hoping that would happen! They follow me around like... well, baby ducks.



After some research online, I believe that one of these ducklings is a Mallard and the other is at least part, Black Swedish. We'll be able to tell for sure when they get their permanent feathers in a few months. They still need names, but these things take time to get them right.

Vegetables:
All seven varieties of tomatoes and 5 varieties of peppers are growing well; the tomatoes have already been replanted and have grown again to nearly 18 inches tall and are beginning to flower! We'll be putting them in their garden plots soon. The eight grape plants, planted in the last two years, have woken up from their winter's rest and are budding like crazy. The strawberries have blossoms, but no berries, yet. We still must begin our cold tolerant veggies, still. It is getting on in the year and the onions, carrots, peas and radishes are all wanting to be planted or we'll risk a stunted season for them.

I think that catches everyone up to date. With the long weekend coming up, I know we are going to have much more to post. For now, this country girl needs some bed time, but I couldn't resist just one more duck picture!

Goodnight, friends!
Sonja ♥

Snoring Piggie

While Sean and I were slaving away, building coop nesting boxes, we were serenaded by Patches and Ebony, snoring loudly in the sun. I took a minute to video the racket.