Just about the time you think everything is going smoothly, then something comes up to throw it all outta whack! A few days ago DeeDee my little goat girl, who is almost 13 weeks old, quit eating and drinking. I almost lost her. I didn't and still don't know the cause, but she is doing 100% better now.
I knew something was wrong when she wouldn't get up to greet me as she usually does. I mean she has a LOUD voice and lets everyone know Mom has arrived! Of course she usually checks out my mouth and face to see (maybe) what I have been eating, but I like to think she is just showing me a little lovin.
Many of the plants are coming up, although they are hard to see in photos. This morning I moved the protective wire up so it isn't resting on the soil To do this I simply laid metal fence posts across the bed under the wire.
I have the makings of another bed, but had decided to not make another bed this year or rather this spring. I am considering putting it together and sitting it on top of the bed I have now to raise it 10 inches higher and then add the wire on top for protection, and to allow the plants to get a bit higher before I have to remove it. This hopefully will give me time to get a cage (surround) made to go over the bed.
It rained last night and is supposed to rain today as well getting up to a 1/2 inch of rain... I like when I don't have to water! Besides rain water falling from the sky is much better for the plants.
It seemed like the last spring frost would never stop! But it has finally (I hope). The temps at night are between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The days are getting HOT in the 90's... just last week it was freezing at 26*F at night and only in the 70's during the day... Gee Louisa! Oh well, it is what it is.
*Click on photo's to see full size*
Goats, deer, rabbits, and squirrels... how do I keep them from eating the produce in my garden?
It's past time to get plants in the ground. I finally finished my garden bed, but I needed to find a way to keep the critters out of the garden.
A Lady contacted me about information on Cobalt. However, when I tried to respond via email it says the email is not valid... if you read this and still wish information, please contact me again and check that your email is correct...
Since 2008 I have been very interested in homemade manual milking machines. I don't think the use of the word 'machine' is quite right, although that seems to be what we all call them. The one I am working on now could be classified 'machine' because it uses a battery powered vacuum sealer. At any rate, it 'milks' a goat, sheep, cow, etc.
One of the biggest reasons I became interested in milking machines was because I wanted a easy way for someone else to milk for me if I needed to be away, got sick, or any reason I couldn't milk myself. These manual milkers seemed to be just the ticket. Easy on the pocketbook and easy to use. However, I now not only want it for that reason, but it is easier to have clean milk with a milking machine. In this case the milk goes straight into the storage jar and therefore has very little chance of being contaminated.
I was at a loss because I purchased two Toggenburg goat kids at just two days old. I had planned on them, but thought I would have at least two months to get ready for them. But nope, one of the other does birthed and the kids were on the ground and in my barn. At first it was ok because basically all they were getting was the bottle. However, I knew I had to start providing some hay and water for them.
One of the things I have dreamed about for a long time is to make hay for my goats. I have tried a couple times before, but really didn't feel I understood the process well enough. But, really, it is a very simple process. For the last couple of weeks I have been making hay off and on. However, I am now doing it in earnest, just about daily, because I want to get the available grass (meaning grass and weeds) cut and dried before the dry weather and heat sets in and they all go to seed, turn yellow, and dry up.
