Farm Critters

Farm life continues to keep us busy around here. Between trying to finish all these projects that are half done and doing chores twice a day, we try to remember that we are living the dream, baby, we're living the dream. Some days I want to change the dream to living in a little hut on the beach in the Bahamas, but I know that I would never be content without my critters.

The second batch of calves are ready to be weaned, and we look forward to adding a couple of new ones pretty soon. As soon as I get the gumption, or Rob gets a day off, to go get them. We will keep three steers to raise to butchering size (about 18 months) and sell off all of the extras in the hopes of making enough money to buy more grain to feed them all.

The pigs are doing great. The original four we bought this spring are growing well on their cheese and whey. Rob has been bringing home so much cheese that we decided to add four more little pigs to the farm last week.

The Light Brahmas should be laying eggs any day now. I have been saying that for a month, and still no eggs. I sure am ready to see some farm fresh eggs in my chicken coop.

The meat birds are getting closer to butchering size. I am hoping in another week or two that they will be ready. Can't say that I am convinced yet to raise them again as it is unbelievable how much they eat (and drink). It is becoming very expensive meat at this rate compared to how we are able to raise our other animals. Rob was looking through the paper the other day and saw chicken on sale for $1 a pound~ no feathers, no butchering required, all wrapped nicely in plastic and ready for the freezer. Who's crazy idea was this to raise our own chickens anyway?

The horses have done a lot of just standing around swatting flies lately. Good thing grass is free and plentiful as they sure aren't earning their keep lately (which is our fault, not theirs).

Solomon cut his shoulder pretty deeply somehow. Grace helped me doctor him up, and then the next morning he was cut (same shoulder and just as deeply) again. I can't figure out what he would have gotten cut on. He is the sweetest little guy~ I just love him:)) I'll love him even more when he's gelded and trained, but that's another story for another day.

The goats are doing great. Quite a goofy picture but nobody would get up from their nap for a proper photograph. Between 5 does we are getting 2 1/2 gallons of milk a day (besides all that they kick over and spill). We are getting just enough to feed 2 calves at a time plus keep some for house use and a little to spare for the barn cats. Three of those mommas are still raising their doe kids part time. The kids are separated at night and we milk late in the morning, then reunite them all for the day. Cole has been my barn helper and we are both looking forward to having the automatic milker hooked up some day (soon???).

Even for all the work involved, we sure do love farm life.