Crying kids

I kept the kids separated from Penny and Belle all day/ last night. I kept checking on the kids, who were doing fine aside from crying LOUDLY everytime someone came near. At the evening milking, I gave them about 1/2 the pail full into a bowl to drink. They were moderately intrested, but mostly just really sad. Gotta happen sometime.

Still haven't checked on them this AM, but I hear lots of crying so at least some of them made it. ;)

Different subject: one of Alec's horn scabs came off and is a little red. The others seem ok, although a couple look like they might not be complete. We'll see. At least they aren't supposed to be show animals. ;)

Another Mama?

One of the Giants has gone broody. I wasn't sure until I reached in for the eggs under her and she gave my hand quite a harsh peck. So, she has moved into 'the nursery' with a clutch of 6 eggs. Not sure if any are actually fertilized, but at least this way she's not taking up nest space in the hen house....

Wildlife Update

Yesterday, I saw:

2 'wild' (meaning not ours) ducks, a male and female (Mallord?)

1 roadrunner, in the pasture

3 snakes on SB, all crossing from the field to our road.

In the Ground

I got the iris bulbs from my mom into the ground. It was a little later then I had wanted, but they still looked moist and fresh so I think they will be fine. I had lots of 'help' getting them burried and watered, but looking at the spot they are in, I am very satisfied with the project.

I used the other tree box for the onion starts. There was some mulch left from the iris planting and I mixed up the box full of mulch, compost, and spare dirt. The neighbor girl watched intently and then declared that the plants and the dirt stank. I guess it all depends on what you are used to. Smelled like planting to me.

Henny, as a Mama

Yellow Henny Penny hatched one other chick and is very proud of her 3 babies. I had a section 'fenced' off for her to keep them protected in, but she just ignores the fence of it and is guiding them around the yard. She is a great mama, and very protective of them. Anyone/thing that comes near, sets her 'clucking' and she fluffs up all her feathers to look bigger and more intimidiating. This morning, it was fun to watch as I was milking; she had the chicks around the hay and was teaching them to scratch around it. She accidently scratched one of the chicks and sent it flying.

Milk Production

Consistantly 1 gallon the last few days. It's just the right amount for us, and when the kids are weaned fully, I think I might have a some extra to sell or just stock up on for when the does are dry.

(More) New Arrivals

Looks like we are boarding 2 does here until Monday. SIL bought the sister to our LaMancha, and a 3 year old Nubian, already in milk! Best part is, we drove 45 miles home with a full grown Nubain doe in the back of the van. She did well, though (aside from having to 'relieve' herself a couple times.). The LaMancha was transported by the same means, but it was a much shorter distance. Can you imagine if we had been pulled over???

Our new steer arrived today, also. He looks to be in great shape, albeit slightly scrawny. I am pretty sure we can take care of that, though; he is similar to Cherry and we beefed him up nicely.


Our Yellow Henny Penny successfully hatched two chicks today! There are still 7 eggs in the nest, but I am doubtful if the rest will hatch. They are both feather-footed, and darling.