The little things

Its just a half gallon plastic orange juice container with half the top cut off, but it was missing this morning and I was slightly upset.  I use it to dole out feed for the chickens and measure out grain for the goats.  It was basically free (after Dad drank the orange juice) and just the right size.  A full gallon milk jug wouldn't be as convenient and I didn't now the level of feed in a full gallon that would equal what I had been feeding.

I thought I had brought it back to the garage last night after feeding but this morning I couldn't find it.  Not in the feed cans, not on the ground near the cans, and not outside where it might have blown away.  I was fairly distressed that we might have to buy orange juice just so I could have another feed scoop.

Happily this afternoon I found it on the back of the chicken wagon where I had forgot it when checking for eggs.

That feed scoop is important around here.  Or so the goats tell me.

freezing

Temperatures are below freezing all day now.  This week looks to be keeping that trend.  All the critters are doing ok.  I doubt they are enjoying it, but no one looks to bad from the cold.  Lots of ice breaking to keep the water flowing for them though.

The dog situation seems to have cleared up.  I am very glad it didn't drag on and turn into something really ugly.

I am thinking I will build a "sick pen/training for electric fence" area next to the driveway.  just something small along the property line and driveway that will be a good place to have a critter when they are ill.  Or if Miss decides to kid.  I am thinking I will build the shelter from the doors I was given and top it with a tarp over some pvc or cattle panels.  It will also be close enough to the garage that I can run the electric for the fence from it, underground, without it being too much of a chore to dig the trench.  The electric might have to wait for warmer weather though.

I may just do measuring for the pen this week, and see what the temperatures do, I don't want to be out there for hours on end when it is below freezing.

Neighbor dog

I finally start getting eggs from the chickens and the neighbor's dog comes in and pulls feathers from one of the two birds that slipped the coup.  He also bloodied some through the wire of the coup.

Saw him again today but Rob chased him off the property before I could get the gun.  He went to the neighbor while I phoned the sheriff.  Rob says the lady will chain the dog now.

I hope so.  I don't want to kill anyone's pet, but I will to defend my livestock.

Holidays

Holidays were good.  Parents came up to visit, and Dad helped install the new pressure tank for the well.  Also put in a new elbow for the chimney since it had rusted through.  We didn't know it had till Dad touched it and the bottom kind of fell out.

Goats are still limping, but I did find some chicken eggs!!  I am going to leave them in the wagon for a few days and see if they get the hint about the nest boxes.

MIA

I haven't been writing lately, I know.

So latest developments and then hopefully back to writing at least once a week again.

I put some styrofoam insulation around the chicken wagon.  That only lasted 24 hours until a wind storm blew all three sides off last night.  I have a plan B ... ok plan C.  Plan A was the cardboard Rob put on it while I was sick and most of that fell off as well.  I don't know why I am having such a problem keeping this one covered, the old tractor kept the cardboard all winter without a hitch.  Plan C is covering it with feed sacks.  I think the light weight will keep the cover from being ripped off.  I hope.

Still no eggs.  But the hens look lovely and the rooster is a handsome devil.

Goats, ahhh goats...
Camo came up lame Sunday, took him to the vet Monday, got some shots (and wormer for both).
Tuesday, Miss came up lame as well, just the opposite leg.  It's too much of a coincidence.  I wonder if the grain I fed or something caused the lameness.  Have another call into the vet.

I think Miss is pregnant.  I really don't want her hobbling around on three legs if she is.

Pretty discouraging, but I think I can fix the chicken problems.  I just hope the goat problems sort themselves out without too much money thrown at them.

Can't Sleep

I can't sleep.  I am still getting over the last bits of sickness and had a long nap this afternoon and now I am awake at 1 AM.  I need sleep so I will have energy to process the turkeys tomorrow (today - whatever).  I need to get all five of them done because the temperature is going to take a severe drop after tomorrow.  I also need to get more chicken feed and a scalpel and such from the store before I start on the turkeys.

I have an idea to cut a hole in the bottom of a five gallon bucket to make a killing "cone" for the turkeys.  I need to buy a scalpel to make clean cuts since I don't have any more left and paring knives just aren't to my liking.

My other problem is going to be defeathering the birds.  The bucket I used for the chickens probably isn't big enough.  I have a galvanized tub I could use but heating the water becomes tricky.  I could start a bonfire in the pit outside but I am not sure I can tend that while getting the butchering done.  I may just need to make several batches of hot water on the stove and bring them out to the tub.

In other news I gave the chickens some cayenne pepper in their feed.  I hope that will convince them to start laying.

I am also going to get some hay for the goats soon.  I think 20 bales should last the winter since that seemed to work last year.

I feel terribly behind in my winter prep because of the week of rain, being sick, and sadly - basic laziness.

On top of all this, I have cookies and rolls to bake before Wednesday.

sick

I was sick through the week of halloween.  We had to cancel our halloween party.  The bunnies have moved on from their nest under the house.  My voice is nearly gone.  Will write more when feeling better.