This morning when I went out to start the feed for all the beasties, found the 2 new calves and mama Bambi outside the lower barn enclosure. Only Mabel was still inside (Doofus the 2nd?). So instead of unloading the truck like I'd planned, we put up a solar-powered electric strand about 4inches above the fence. Fortunately the 2 grounding 8 ft pipes were still in the ground from 2 years ago, so just had to re-attach the solar machine to the electric pole, put insulators on all tje posts, untangle the wire and run it around. So much easier to use new wire instead of the hand rolled used wire we had. The girl calf tried to climb over again while we were busy doing it, getting her feet caught in the fence, silly girl.
Obviously very late with the milking, Beth arrived and I hadn't called her as I hadn't realised how long we were out there. Sorry Beth. She picked up the 1/2 gallon I'd poured for her from yesterdays milking and I offered to take her the milk once it was ready, not thinking that I have 16 ft re-claimed wood on the back of the truck I can't off-load by myself ! We were supposed to off-load it this morning, instead of putting up fencing !
Amy, this one's for you. Buttercup seems to have chosen our LGD Rosco as her next baby-daddy. She complains when he is not near her, and when he lies down, she goes and cuddles up next to him. He's gentle with her, seen him move her away by putting his mouth around her head, but very gently. Must be something about him as Anni feels the same, but at least she's the same species !
Rich and Rita came to buy some meat and eggs this morning. They tried a lamb shank a week ago and loved it. Took another shank today as well as a Scottish Highland roast. Enjoy. Scrounged a dozen eggs for them - sold 3 dozen today. I hate disappointing my egg customers, but between the fox and the cold snap of last week, egg laying is way down. Need to have a discussion with the girls. No lay, become nuggets ?
Well, let me get back out there and get some more done.
Took the cow bale feeder that Little Red tore apart into lower barn enclosure this afternoon. Took the splitting maul and hammered it as straight as I could. Tied the broken bottom rail together with baling twine :) connected the 3 pieces with screws at the top, tied the bottom parts together with baling twine as the misshapen bottom sides wouldn't let me use the usual screws. Positioned it next to the fence so that I can put the bale in over the top, ie don't have to open the gate in the coming snow.
Bambi was semi-good today. Took a few tries to get her into the stall. She was fine until I tried to brush her, she backed out, tipped the milk bucket over. Fortunately I was quick enough to pull the vacuum hose off, so didn't get much milk sucked up it. She usually likes being brushed, so not sure what's up with her today. Then she lifted her tail, so I pulled it down saying No, and discovered this stops pooping but not pee.
The usual big clean-up from 4 cows in the lower barn. Actually can't wait for Larry to come fetch the 2 calves on Sunday. Hopefully I'll get the other 2 tomorrow.
Was a beautiful evening. I took the buggy out to the pasture to check on the other cows and the alpacas. Those 2 girl alpacas are such a joy to watch. The way they run and play catch. All the cows are doing well, none seem to be any more, or any less, pregnant.