babies, babies, everywhere!

We’ve received word from the vet that a form of sinusitis was at least partly to blame for our poultry losses last month. While relieved to know something, it’s hard not to feel impatient to learn what the missing pieces of the puzzle are. In any case, the chickens continue to recover, put on weight, [...]

it’s raining, it’s pouring … the little chicks are snoring

As I sit here by the woodstove in the kitchen typing this entry, the rain is pouring down outside. It’s so loud that it reminds me of camping trips I’ve had during rain storms – that sound of the rain pounding down on the canvas, while you wonder just how waterproof the tent actually is [...]

the three Rs

We got our Christmas tree a little earlier than usual this holiday, and left it up a little longer … I was making jokes about turning it into a Valentine’s tree. But I knew all along where the tree would go when we were finished with it this year – out to the barnyard! The [...]

happy birthday

Our surprise-kids are two weeks old today, and it’s amazing how much they’ve grown in such a short period. We celebrated the day by spending it outdoors – the weather was remarkably warm and sunny, just perfect for a first outing. Niek, who has been rather less than thrilled with getting goats, was outside with [...]

my morning in the barnyard

We’ve had a lot of rain – I should’ve taken a picture that shows how high up my boots the mud now reaches – and it’s been a busy time, so I haven’t spent as much time with the animals as I would like to. This morning, I could finally remedy that situation. When I [...]

where, oh where does the time go?

(and how can I slow it down?) Flying through October … so much to do and so little time, but it is (mostly) a joyous sort of rushing. Despite heavy rains, drastic temperature changes, and strong winds, everyone in the barn remains in good health. We lost one stubborn Plymouth Barred Rock hen last week [...]

many hands make light the work

The Crowing Hen will be visited by some industrious Bees this afternoon – in exchange for four dozen eggs and lots of homemade bread, they’re going to enclose the underneath of the barn. Sneaky chickens have been laying eggs under there, and I can’t reach them so our egg production has been really low. As [...]

quack

I can’t believe how fast this summer has been flying past! With a probably-pregnant goat (who is bossy and moody, to boot!), I’ve been running all over the place trying to figure out how to do things perfectly for all four goats, plus all the other barnyard citizens. And of course, perfection in the barnyard [...]