Winter update - Sunday, February 28
Well a lot has happened since July, as would be expected. The pigeons continue to be a fun project. I sold enough to pretty much cover the cost of their feed for the year. In doing so there were several people who were able to get the breeding stock they had been looking for. I lost two birds during the extreme cold but the remaining ones are doing fine and starting to pair up. 

The chickens had a rough summer/fall. We have so many fox and they are so bold that they have taken hens in daylight while we were working just a short distance away. The Fox crossed the line in the sand and got into the barn killing several hens. Thinking we had fixed the access point I bought replacement layers and shortly after the Fox struck again. We again fixed the access point and I found a couple more replacements. Terry destroyed the Fox dens behind the barn and across from the house but the stinkers moved into an old den in a downed tree at the back of our property. If possible we'll try to eliminate them before young are born. If we can't well enjoy watching the babies grow up and find a way to get rid of them all in the fall. 

We have one of the steers in our freezer and took the other two to market. We processed the steer ourselves as there were no open spots at slaughter facilities. It was a big job but we learned a lot and would do it again. We found that three steers is the max that our land can sustain. By the end of October they were hungry and we had to feed hay for the last couple weeks that we had them. 

The rabbits produced well but we decided to get rid of the Harlquins and replace them with New Zealands. I found a nice young pair and hope to breed them in a week or so. 

We are looking forward to an active spring and summer. I'd still like to Teach a goat to pull a cart. Jeanette, a fainting goat, is really my only choice. Hopefully she won't fall over like the trike rider on Laugh In. A Nubian doe is still on my wish list. Fingers crossed to get lots of horseback riding in along with doing maintenance projects. Happy Trails!


Rabbits, pigeons, cows and hens - Saturday, July 25
Lots of action around here. The pigeons are producing squab on a regular basis. We've eaten some (very delish), sold a few and put a few in the freezer for later. 

The rabbits are also producing well. We lost our American buck but luckily had already made arrangements to purchase a pair of Harlequin rabbits from Kelly Krassin. So we are now raising American/Harlequin crosses and purebred Harlequins. The Harlequins take one week longer to get to desired weight but carcass quality looks very good. This data is based on limited observation at this point but I'm thinking they will be good meat producers and have fun colors too. 

We have three steers enjoying the pastures. I enjoy having them come to the gate for a treat. They don't moo as much as the ones we had last year. Too bad because I love to hear them. 

Last but not least, hens! We have a dozen young hens that are just beginning to lay. Once they get started we will have an over abundance of eggs. Our older hens, 2 and 3 year olds, will be available in a few weeks. Raised on organic feed. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing them, 7 available.

It's been a very strange and scarey year but when I'm in the barn, tending to the animals it calms me and I can forget about all the weirdness in the world. I wish you all the same feeling of peace.


Pigeons and rabbits - Friday, July 19
Our first squab is well feathered and leaving the nest. We are saving the first few to increase the size of the flock and ensure there are replaces in case any of the originals don't make it through the winter. Both pair are setting on more eggs. 

The rabbits are growing well. We have 7 kits. I believe there are 3 does and 4 bucks. Two of the does are nice, dark blues. At least two of the does are available for sale. 

All of the animals seem to be doing fine in this heat. We are all looking forward to a break from high temps though.  


Rabbits and pigeons! - Wednesday, May 8
We have rabbits again and I'm so happy about it. I not only found some American rabbits, they are direct descendants of the stock I had. I have missed the rabbits in the barn and in the freezer. We have a sweet 
pair; Murphy, a black buck and Micky, a white doe. 

My other new, really new, project is pigeons. We have two pair of Utility King pigeons. They are a meat breed and supposed to be very productive. I hope so! We have never tasted squab and are looking forward to it. Should be an interesting summer 😃


And now, cattle! - Wednesday, July 4
After a lot of thought and research we finally added cattle to the farm. We are going really slow with this since we really are not sure we want cows around. We purchased a couple of Dexter steers to  convert our pasture into grass fed beef. So far, so good. After three days I have not yet been run over or kicked. Counting blessings and continuing to be very careful. 

Goats on TV - Monday, July 8
KARE 11 did a story on the goat meat industry and our goats and I got to be part of it. If you are interested in seeing the story here's a link: http://kare11.tv/18vSuTB  The story also includes interview with Wayne Martin, Uof M Extension Alternative Livestock Specialist; Chef Andrew Zimmer and Majdi Wadi, Owner of Holyland Market.