Sunday, May 2, 2010

Happenings around the Farm ~


I honestly do not know where the week went! It's been a whirlwind here with many things getting done and new things popping up. First a piggie update. These little buggers are growing so fast and they are incredibly fun to watch. They are just happy - content - precious little critters. Charlotte is an awesome Mom - thankfully everything worked out just fine. They had their iron shots today. How they squeal.....It was fairly painless and took just seconds. It didn't overly stress them as they went right back to rooting in the soil immediately.

They have a playpen area of their own with a heat lamp where they can nap and stay warm without Mom. Due to our warm weather they aren't snuggling quite as tight but we all know how quickly New England weather can change.
As you can see, they are surely loved :)

In other farm news, the gardens plots are tilled and ready for planting. Hopefully this week will find us in the soil planting cool weather crops. We will have to wait until the end of the month to plants cukes & tomatoes, etc. I've seen hard frost in May several times and I'm not going to push our luck.

New critters are moving in. We have been gifted with three beautiful romney ewes. These gals, Milley, Moxie & Maddie ( the M&M's as Tom calls them ) came from a loving home and we are delighted to add them to our flock. Thank you Elaine & Bob! The fiber from these gals will be fabulous! They are warming up to us and learning that animal crackers are a good thing. They will go out with the other ewes sometime this week.

It is a known fact among my friends that I am a wool snob. I love my sheep and I love wool and never really had any interest in owning any other kind of fiber animals. I do enjoy my little pygora goats and keep a small flock for their lovely fiber and the fact their antics would cheer up anyone. I've never considered llamas or alpacas. I know they have gorgeous fiber and they make good guard animals. I also know that they have been pretty pricey.
To keep this a short story, these two fellows are coming to live on the farm as well. The entire process was a whirlwind but we are going to give them a try.
Scion ( I hope I have spelled that right)

Aren't they cute? I love the colors and both have lovely fiber and pleasant dispositions. It will be a learning curve for us but we are willing and able and will certainly enjoy the process. Thank you Carol!

Anyone who has advise for newbie alpaca owners, please feel free to send along your knowledge. We are going to need it!

Have a great week everyone!




9 comments:

threecollie said...

Your new animals and piggies are a delight. For camelid info, Teri at Farm Life blog is very knowledgeable and nice as can be.

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

I always enjoy coming here for an update, oh how I want some little piggies but Mike would kill me.

Unknown said...

You sure are one busy person! The Romneys are beautiful! I would love to see that fleece once you shear them. So, you went there with alpacas! Both are geldings? I live about 5 minutes from a HUGE alpaca farm (about 900 head) and they are so pretty. You are going to have some beautiful blends coming up!

Anonymous said...

I love your babypictures. The are all so cute.

Deb said...

threecollie,
I'll be sure to visit Teri's blog - I'm going to need all the help I can get :)

Joanna,
Thanks so much - I'd be happy to part with a piggie or two :)

kristi,
It is a busy place but it's a good busy :) I'll be sure to take photos when I shear the romneys. The fleece really is gorgeous.
I'm thinking the alpaca/finn or shetland will be a nice blend :)

SheepMama,
Thank you - I'm enjoying having all the babies around. I know it won't last long as they grow so fast :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Deb,
I miss having little and big piglets around. We used to raise pigs(free range) years ago.
Your piglets are so cute!

The Ewes are beautiful and so are the llamas.

It sounds as if you all are as busy as usual and everything going well.
Good luck with all the new critters.
Pam

lisa said...

We have the garden ready to plant also, the Alpaca's are pretty cool and the hubby keeps wanting to get one or two but I don't know if I am ready for that kind of animal yet. So, good luck!

DayPhoto said...

Your babies photos are just darling. And new additions....our neighbors have some sadly neglected llamas and I keep wanting to stop and ask them if they would like me to take them and love them, but Terry tells me to stay out of thier business.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

Callie Brady said...

Congratulations on all the beautiful new critters you have on your farm. They are all so cute. I want to give them hugs too!