Those Naughty Goats!

I took the day off yesterday, and left Heather in charge. (I really, REALLY have to learn to take more days off!!). Anyway, I was at an agility trial, and we got done early. I was home by about 3 pm. Just as I pulled into the driveway, I see Heather, along with 2 of my naughty, naughty goats. I guess they had escaped, and were out on the road, and poor Heather had JUST got them back into the yard as I pulled up. There is a never-used gate at the front of the property that someone had unlatched. The naughty goats had pushed it open and went outside to party.
Trouble and Star were in my garden, munching away happily. The other two Heather had managed to get back into their field. We grabbed some grain, and got them back in. They didn't want to go, though... too much good stuff outside their field. I think I will have to let them out once in a while (before my crops start growing) to help me do some weeding.

BAD goats!!

Greenhouse... Warm!

Exciting news! Last night was the first time we had a sharp frost since my greenhouse went up. I have put a big pile of compost in there for heat, and it must be working. When I got up this morning, it was -3 outside. Inside the house it was just above freezing... which is exactly what I needed!

I've been putting EM on the compost, and the ammonia problem is just about gone now. (thank goodness..the fumes almost killed me). All I need now is to find a used waterbed mattress to use to heat my seeds. This is the most cost effective way I can figure for a seed heating pad. I've got ads all over... SOMEONE has to have an old waterbed clogging up their basement or attic somewhere!! I did find some folding tables for cheap, so those are put in now. Guess I should go take some more pics soon! I am trying to put piles of compost under the tables to see if I can heat the tables that way, but I don't think it has enough umph to do the job. Regardless, I am going to go get some potting mix today, and start as many seeds as I can... spring is on its way!!

Greenhouse.... DONE!!!!

The other day, my greenhouse got finished. It was better than Christmas as a kid... I was jumping up and down as Dom the Handy Mum and I put the last poly on. So super exciting!

I still have to build a seeding table, and do some last minute touch ups (handle on the door, latches, gravel pathway), but the greenhouse is IN USE!

I spent all day Sunday laying cardboard down one side, putting goat manure down, then finding some soil to put on top for a planting bed. I also put a big pile of chicken manure in there to heat up, so it will keep it above freezing at night. Unfortunately, the manure I used was thick with ammonia, and WHEW, does it stink! I poured a bunch of EM on it, hopefully it will counteract the ammonia soon. I have to go down each morning, and open the door for a while to let it vent. Luckily, it has been quite warm, so the seeds I planted will not freeze.

This is how I built my greenhouse:

First, I found a used portable car shelter. This cost $100

The framing is starting to go up... we did a 'foundation' first, with 6x6' posts to anchor

The poly is starting to go up!!! This was an exciting day. Sadly, we couldn't finish it all in one day... ran out of supplies and light.

ALL DONE!!! I've waited over 24 years to have my own greenhouse. This is truly a dream come true!!

When Dom was kneeling down, Little Monkey crawled up on her back. I snugged her into Doms hood... she wanted to help, too!!

So, all in all with supplies and paying someone to help me (because I am just NOT handy!) the greenhouse cost me about $1700. If I was to buy a new, pre-fab greenhouse in the same size, it would have cost between $4000-$5000.

Expecting....!!

We are expecting here on the farm. Expecting lots and lots of babies. I just put the new drake in the breeding pen with four females, so the muscovys should start laying soon. Then, I loaded up the incubator with chicken eggs of all descriptions. A few Dorking eggs (the raven's have been stealing most of them, so that's all I was able to save recently), lots of Easter Eggers, and a few ISA/EE mixes. I also am pretty certain Lily the goat is preggers. She is not huge yet, but is starting to get 'that look' about her. Baby goats!! I can't wait for baby goats! Star is probably preggers as well, but just behind Lily. I guess the littler goat is just a bit more slutty than her bigger sister.
I am also planning a breeding between two of my dogs... Reckless, who is a sportmix, and one of the coolest little dogs ever, and Kybosh, my little Border Collie. I spent the last few months getting health tests done on them, making certain neither carries anything genetic (hips, elbows, hearts, eyes, ears). We now have the all clear, both dogs passed everything with flying colours, and I am just waiting for Ky to go into season. Which can't happen soon enough. These pups should totally ROCK. I have been going through puppy yearning a lot lately, and it's time for a new baby to train up in various sports. By the time this pup comes of age to compete, Reckless will be about 7 years old, and in the veterans class. Time goes by wayyyy too quickly with our babies.
Goat, duck, chicken, and puppies. Should be a busy spring!!!

I did have a little oops. (this is my confession time). I foster quite often for a local rescue group... Paws Without Borders. About a month ago, I got this little chocolate coloured 'chiweenie'. (chihuahua x dachshand). She weighs about 2 or 3 lbs, and is the cutest thing you ever saw. I am supposed to keep her until she finds her 'furever' home, but I'm not certain I can let this little girl go. She just fits in so nicely! I am not a small/frufru dog person, but I may have to make an exception;-)

Little Monkey. Think I may have to keep her.....