Time to dust the cobwebs off the old blog. Things are busy, busy on the farm. It's calving season again!
Al turns the bulls out at a specific time so that the calves are due in February. The idea is the snow will keep the calves out of the mud (full of bacteria) and they will be healthier and also larger this fall. We had a few first-time heifers so this spring's deliveries have been interesting so far.
Right off the bat we had a cow, Leah drop a still-born calf. Unfortunately the calves's legs were folded backward and she was unable to deliver on her own. The waterbag did not show until it was too late and we didn't know she was in active labor that long. A day later, a first-time heifer needed help delivering a breech calf. Al basically had to pull. It was a huge bull calf! Thankfully, he made it!
Due to the circumstance of Leah not having a calf to raise, rather than sell her, Al opted to buy 2 Holstein calves for her to adopt and feed (rather than not having a job for the summer). She adopted the black and white, while the red and white calf with a perfect heart on his forehead was left for us to bottle feed. The kids named him "Fiery Flynn" after a character on Thomas the Tank Engine.
So far we're about 1/2 done with the calving. All the babies are doing fine, still more to arrive.
Also this winter, Al sold some young heifers he raised last year and bought back some bred cows. They will bring in money right away this year while a heifer needs to be fed for 1-2 years before producing a calf.
When you buy cattle at the sales barn, you never know what you might get, but we got Lucky! First a set of 3 red Angus types from a lady in WI. She even called our house to see how they were getting along in their new home. One of the three who our kids named "Rainbow" is so tame that she loves to be scratched on the neck. She will actually push other cows out of the way for attention.
Another cow purchased on a separate sale is Harriet the Hereford. Hereford cattle are my favorite, I love their markings. Harriet's old owner also got our number and told us basically her entire life story from her being a sick calf to favorite family cow. She is also fond of attention but not quite as much as Rainbow.
So here's to spring and some more baby calves!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Summer craziness...
It's been a bit since I've updated. Things have been pretty busy here. Al and his dad finished haying early this year. That's a good thing. Many of the extra fields have played out and weren't putting up much grass. Rather than re-seeding someone's land who may not guarantee you cut again the following season, Al simply told them he had all he could handle. Our own fields put up good, thick hay thanks to some fertilizer that was put on earlier in the spring. It's all about maintenance.
The baby pigs are here! A good litter too. Mama sow proved ornery by escaping her farrowing crate several times. The crate is necessary to prevent her from flopping down and squishing her little ones. The bottom is open allowing them to come and go as needed to eat. Al moved her crate to the barn and secured the floor with ratchet straps to prevent her from sliding out. While that seems to be holding her, her little oinkers crawl under the partition between the stall and tackroom. More than once I've caught little piggies in my tack room and that doesn't make me happy. It's a tack room not a pig room! While they are cute, they don't like me picking them up, especially the black/white male I held. Wow are they loud! Little pigs do not like cuddles I've decided.
The guinea keets are now big enough and have been released into the chicken yard with the 2 adults and other birds. Hopefully they will learn where to roost to not be attacked by any predators.
In horse news, kids are riding and enjoying Dora especially. She's a bit green but she's gaining experience each ride and seems to generally enjoy attention. Blue is more standoffish and headshy. With more exposure and practice Dora will hopefully attend her first show with the kids next summer.
My riding has tapered off. Skyler needs his teeth floated and can't be ridden until they're done. Al has picked up extra hours at work and the funshow Aug. 11th will be out for us (no babysitter). Next show season should prove more fun with a pony in the mix and kids riding. Even though I haven't ridden much I enjoy leading the kids around and how they are bonding with Dora.
C even likes my old mare, Abby. She calls her "Mare". "I like Mare, she don't bite me" She said. "I wanna ride Mare all by myself!". Someday maybe she will.
The baby pigs are here! A good litter too. Mama sow proved ornery by escaping her farrowing crate several times. The crate is necessary to prevent her from flopping down and squishing her little ones. The bottom is open allowing them to come and go as needed to eat. Al moved her crate to the barn and secured the floor with ratchet straps to prevent her from sliding out. While that seems to be holding her, her little oinkers crawl under the partition between the stall and tackroom. More than once I've caught little piggies in my tack room and that doesn't make me happy. It's a tack room not a pig room! While they are cute, they don't like me picking them up, especially the black/white male I held. Wow are they loud! Little pigs do not like cuddles I've decided.
I feel bad for mama pig. With 8 babies to feed and all of them fighting and squealing all day... makes me glad I only have 3 kids! haha. I swear I heard one piglet squealing... "Maaaa MAAAA!" while he was trying to get a spot. Good luck to her.
The guinea keets are now big enough and have been released into the chicken yard with the 2 adults and other birds. Hopefully they will learn where to roost to not be attacked by any predators.
In horse news, kids are riding and enjoying Dora especially. She's a bit green but she's gaining experience each ride and seems to generally enjoy attention. Blue is more standoffish and headshy. With more exposure and practice Dora will hopefully attend her first show with the kids next summer.
My riding has tapered off. Skyler needs his teeth floated and can't be ridden until they're done. Al has picked up extra hours at work and the funshow Aug. 11th will be out for us (no babysitter). Next show season should prove more fun with a pony in the mix and kids riding. Even though I haven't ridden much I enjoy leading the kids around and how they are bonding with Dora.
C even likes my old mare, Abby. She calls her "Mare". "I like Mare, she don't bite me" She said. "I wanna ride Mare all by myself!". Someday maybe she will.
Abby's colt Pilot says "Hi."
Friday, July 6, 2012
Even pigs don't like it this hot!
Just the other day, the Midwest was under a heat advisory. We'd hit 92 during the day and 80s at night which any way you look at it... is just plain HOT. Especially if you don't have AC. Especially if you're a farm critter.
On hot days I pry myself away from the fan and go to make my rounds. Have to make sure every yard has water filled and spray any horses with flyspray who'd like it. I made sure to fill 2 extra water pails for the dogs and chickens to drink from and on my way over to the pig (who is about to have a litter of piglets) I remembered something. How miserable I was last summer being pregnant.
The sow came over and grunted her usual greeting and I sprayed her trough full of water. She sometimes likes to drink right out of the hose but this day she attempted to lay down in the trough. When she realized she wouldn't fit, she settled for a shower instead. The sow actually sat right down on her haunches and let me wash her. If pigs could smile, I'd imagine she was. Sure looked like it to me anyway.
Also, I couldn't help but notice the mares were standing behind the barn in the direct sun. They had access to a shaded pasture or even the woods which contains a lot of shade but they chose to stand and be hot in the sun. I looked to my right and sure enough the cows were bedded down under a large shade tree. Makes me wonder sometimes if cows really are so dumb.
In other miscellaneous updates: we hatched 6 guinea keets from the incubator and they've grown in feathers already. All 6 are going to make it. The first few days are the most risky for chicks. Yay guinea keets!
On hot days I pry myself away from the fan and go to make my rounds. Have to make sure every yard has water filled and spray any horses with flyspray who'd like it. I made sure to fill 2 extra water pails for the dogs and chickens to drink from and on my way over to the pig (who is about to have a litter of piglets) I remembered something. How miserable I was last summer being pregnant.
The sow came over and grunted her usual greeting and I sprayed her trough full of water. She sometimes likes to drink right out of the hose but this day she attempted to lay down in the trough. When she realized she wouldn't fit, she settled for a shower instead. The sow actually sat right down on her haunches and let me wash her. If pigs could smile, I'd imagine she was. Sure looked like it to me anyway.
Also, I couldn't help but notice the mares were standing behind the barn in the direct sun. They had access to a shaded pasture or even the woods which contains a lot of shade but they chose to stand and be hot in the sun. I looked to my right and sure enough the cows were bedded down under a large shade tree. Makes me wonder sometimes if cows really are so dumb.
In other miscellaneous updates: we hatched 6 guinea keets from the incubator and they've grown in feathers already. All 6 are going to make it. The first few days are the most risky for chicks. Yay guinea keets!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Horse rescue!
It was last Thursday afternoon when I was out doing chores. Watering horses, making my rounds as usual. I went into the run-in shed and paddock where the colts and stud were kept to find our stallion Ace laying on his side, moaning.
Horse people will know, this is never a good thing. My mind raced thinking it could be colic and this was probably going to end badly. I let myself into the shed to urge Ace onto his feet and get him walking. The ground was packed and it looked like he'd been down for quite some time. Not good.
Ace moaned and groaned and lifted his head and put it back down in defeat. I saw his problem. It wasn't colic at all... he was cast! The old shed had slatted wooden partitions in it used for tie stalls at one time. He had laid down in one of the double wide tie stalls only to get his hindquarters and back legs underneath the boards. That was what kept him down.
Al was late getting home from work so I was on my own. I tried pulling, but of course I could not pull a full sized adult horse. Rolling him was not an option as his legs were stuck. I came up with either a) remove the boards or b) get a tractor and pull him out. I tried A first. I found a big sledge hammer and got the board holding the partition loose only to find it firmly anchored into the hay manger at the front of the stall. Looked like only a chain saw could get him out this way and since it was close to his hindquarters, that did not seem a good option.
That left B... tractor. I looked around for a long tow strap but couldn't find one so I patched together a lead rope and a ratchet strap. Not ideal but I was running out of time. Ace had been down a long time and I worried about damage to his organs from being cast. I started up the old Oliver 1655 and pulled slowly forward. The rope broke in minutes. Ace was now on his belly with head up rather than laying flat.
I went to find a longer rope and tied an old lasso to his halter and to the ratchet strap and lead rope. Again, not ideal for heavy pulling but I had to get him up! I inched the tractor ahead once more, watched the rope go tight and then... SNAP! Rope broke! Bad thing was it came flying in my direction right at my head. There was a lot of pressure, luckily I was watching behind me to see into the shed. I ducked in time.
I put the tractor in neutral and go to check on Ace. Miraculously he was on his feet! He appeared to be very stiff and sore but resumed eating and moving about the same evening. He was ok! I was so glad to see him up I gave him a big hug. I was starting to run out of rope and ideas.
When you have more that one horse, every once in a while one will get itself into some trouble. Luckily in this case everything turned out alright.
Horse people will know, this is never a good thing. My mind raced thinking it could be colic and this was probably going to end badly. I let myself into the shed to urge Ace onto his feet and get him walking. The ground was packed and it looked like he'd been down for quite some time. Not good.
Ace moaned and groaned and lifted his head and put it back down in defeat. I saw his problem. It wasn't colic at all... he was cast! The old shed had slatted wooden partitions in it used for tie stalls at one time. He had laid down in one of the double wide tie stalls only to get his hindquarters and back legs underneath the boards. That was what kept him down.
Al was late getting home from work so I was on my own. I tried pulling, but of course I could not pull a full sized adult horse. Rolling him was not an option as his legs were stuck. I came up with either a) remove the boards or b) get a tractor and pull him out. I tried A first. I found a big sledge hammer and got the board holding the partition loose only to find it firmly anchored into the hay manger at the front of the stall. Looked like only a chain saw could get him out this way and since it was close to his hindquarters, that did not seem a good option.
That left B... tractor. I looked around for a long tow strap but couldn't find one so I patched together a lead rope and a ratchet strap. Not ideal but I was running out of time. Ace had been down a long time and I worried about damage to his organs from being cast. I started up the old Oliver 1655 and pulled slowly forward. The rope broke in minutes. Ace was now on his belly with head up rather than laying flat.
I went to find a longer rope and tied an old lasso to his halter and to the ratchet strap and lead rope. Again, not ideal for heavy pulling but I had to get him up! I inched the tractor ahead once more, watched the rope go tight and then... SNAP! Rope broke! Bad thing was it came flying in my direction right at my head. There was a lot of pressure, luckily I was watching behind me to see into the shed. I ducked in time.
I put the tractor in neutral and go to check on Ace. Miraculously he was on his feet! He appeared to be very stiff and sore but resumed eating and moving about the same evening. He was ok! I was so glad to see him up I gave him a big hug. I was starting to run out of rope and ideas.
When you have more that one horse, every once in a while one will get itself into some trouble. Luckily in this case everything turned out alright.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Updates & things
Hello again, sharing what's new on the farm:
First horse updates: 2 year old colt, Steel is still training well. He's very polite ground driving and doesn't scoff or refuse to cross ditches or under the clothesline (oooh scary! -least to a horse). He is ready to be driven in a bridle soon and after that, our first shot at riding...
Dora- I've been driving her too. It's a great way to get her used to cues needed for riding. She is a smart little thing and has a very soft mouth. She's a little more spooky than Steel about new things but is learning each time. C even sits on her back for a little while. It's a nice start. I'm fairly certain C has the horsebug just like her mama.
Blue- R's pony turned out to be rather headshy. He doesn't like bridles, flyspray or baths. While this is disappointing, he does lead very nicely in a halter.. I don't know if somebody was just mean to him or if he's trying to be a little jackass about it. However his polite leading doesn't add up. He might just be an alright pony with a few kinks. He might work out as strictly a leadline pony we will see.
Also, just to let you know while the blog has been horse-central for awhile we also have baby piglets due to arrive in several weeks. Hopefully our batch of guinea fowl eggs will hatch that our in the incubator and there's a mama hen with 5 chicks. See, I can talk about more than just horses...
First horse updates: 2 year old colt, Steel is still training well. He's very polite ground driving and doesn't scoff or refuse to cross ditches or under the clothesline (oooh scary! -least to a horse). He is ready to be driven in a bridle soon and after that, our first shot at riding...
2yo Steel is very agreeable. Tall and lanky like his sire.
Dora- I've been driving her too. It's a great way to get her used to cues needed for riding. She is a smart little thing and has a very soft mouth. She's a little more spooky than Steel about new things but is learning each time. C even sits on her back for a little while. It's a nice start. I'm fairly certain C has the horsebug just like her mama.
Blue- R's pony turned out to be rather headshy. He doesn't like bridles, flyspray or baths. While this is disappointing, he does lead very nicely in a halter.. I don't know if somebody was just mean to him or if he's trying to be a little jackass about it. However his polite leading doesn't add up. He might just be an alright pony with a few kinks. He might work out as strictly a leadline pony we will see.
Also, just to let you know while the blog has been horse-central for awhile we also have baby piglets due to arrive in several weeks. Hopefully our batch of guinea fowl eggs will hatch that our in the incubator and there's a mama hen with 5 chicks. See, I can talk about more than just horses...
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Identity Confusion...
Last Saturday was another "funshow" for our saddle club. They're called fun shows because they do not count for year end points, you don't have to wear fancy show clothing and are typically smaller and more laid back in atmosphere. That's the beauty of a fun show, being relaxed enough to try a new event.
I woke up that morning about 7 a.m headed straight tot he barn and re-bathed Skyler. He not only had manure stains on his hindquarters but also managed to demolish the bottle of Cowboy Magic Green Spot remover I'd hung on the gate to his pen. Brilliant. No choice, bath it was.
Then it was time to get dressed and ready to go. I was riding in 2 English classes: equitation and pleasure and then gaming in the afternoon. Most of the other riders wore jeans for those classes so, rather than changing outfits I just opted to go western.
I put my green/tan plaid shirt by Panhandle Slim, Wrangler jeans, Ariat belt and Laredo boots. Wow, that was a change! Typically for any horseshow I'd be going in breeches, tall boots and a hunt coat. I felt kind of strange at first.
As the day went on I got more used to my new "look". By the end of it I decided I liked "western" and that it could work for me. Some of the outfits are pretty fun!
From the horse aspect of things: We placed 3rd in English pleasure and 1st in equitation. We had a bit of a larger turnout at this show and were a couple more people in English this time. Skyler did really well and was trying to listen very hard. They even asked us to do a little pattern for the eq. class.
Then we did gaming: egg & spoon, pole weaving, key race and barrels. I even got signed up for the surprise class which was called "The lemon pucker". We had to run down and around a barrel then bite a lemon off a string hanging from a pole and ride back. Got 4th in that.
I did discover that Skyler's teeth were bothering him however. He reared at the gate. I checked him when I returned home and sure enough, sharp edges along his gums. A trip to the vet is in order to have his teeth floated.
All-in-all it was a nice day out. Got to visit with horsepeople and ride. At first when I moved to this area I was kind of bummed at the lack of English and huntseat shows around, but now just maybe I'm learning to adapt...
I woke up that morning about 7 a.m headed straight tot he barn and re-bathed Skyler. He not only had manure stains on his hindquarters but also managed to demolish the bottle of Cowboy Magic Green Spot remover I'd hung on the gate to his pen. Brilliant. No choice, bath it was.
Then it was time to get dressed and ready to go. I was riding in 2 English classes: equitation and pleasure and then gaming in the afternoon. Most of the other riders wore jeans for those classes so, rather than changing outfits I just opted to go western.
I put my green/tan plaid shirt by Panhandle Slim, Wrangler jeans, Ariat belt and Laredo boots. Wow, that was a change! Typically for any horseshow I'd be going in breeches, tall boots and a hunt coat. I felt kind of strange at first.
As the day went on I got more used to my new "look". By the end of it I decided I liked "western" and that it could work for me. Some of the outfits are pretty fun!
From the horse aspect of things: We placed 3rd in English pleasure and 1st in equitation. We had a bit of a larger turnout at this show and were a couple more people in English this time. Skyler did really well and was trying to listen very hard. They even asked us to do a little pattern for the eq. class.
Then we did gaming: egg & spoon, pole weaving, key race and barrels. I even got signed up for the surprise class which was called "The lemon pucker". We had to run down and around a barrel then bite a lemon off a string hanging from a pole and ride back. Got 4th in that.
I did discover that Skyler's teeth were bothering him however. He reared at the gate. I checked him when I returned home and sure enough, sharp edges along his gums. A trip to the vet is in order to have his teeth floated.
All-in-all it was a nice day out. Got to visit with horsepeople and ride. At first when I moved to this area I was kind of bummed at the lack of English and huntseat shows around, but now just maybe I'm learning to adapt...
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Breaking Steel
First off to clarify, Steel is a horse. A two year old Appaloosa colt to be exact. This post is not about welding, iron works or anything like that. However I did like the play-on words.
Al recommend we break and sell Steel soon so I figured I'd better get to work. At two, it's legal to train horses to ride, especially if you're a light weight rider and don't do anything to over-stress the joints. Steel seems pretty agreeable so I didn't think I'd have much trouble.
After two times lounging him he already learned to walk-trot and stop when I ask. He doesn't get spooked easily and when I lounged him with a saddle he did not react to it, which is awesome. Sometimes you'll get a nice set of crowhops out of a greenie with a first saddle!
After our most recent lesson yesterday of lounging I took Steel back to the barn, tied him in the tie stall and proceeded to put weight on his back. He didn't mind when I bellied him so next I swung my leg over. I sat on him for about 5-10 minutes just petting and talking to him. His biggest aggravation was stomping at flies. Didn't mind me one bit.
I really enjoy working with young stock because you never know what they'll do. It's also rewarding to ride that horse or watch someone else ride and know that he learned all that because of you. Breaking a horse not only makes them employable and easier to find homes but, I also think they like having a job to do.
More updates and Steel photos to follow as his training progresses. Next is ground driving.
Al recommend we break and sell Steel soon so I figured I'd better get to work. At two, it's legal to train horses to ride, especially if you're a light weight rider and don't do anything to over-stress the joints. Steel seems pretty agreeable so I didn't think I'd have much trouble.
After two times lounging him he already learned to walk-trot and stop when I ask. He doesn't get spooked easily and when I lounged him with a saddle he did not react to it, which is awesome. Sometimes you'll get a nice set of crowhops out of a greenie with a first saddle!
After our most recent lesson yesterday of lounging I took Steel back to the barn, tied him in the tie stall and proceeded to put weight on his back. He didn't mind when I bellied him so next I swung my leg over. I sat on him for about 5-10 minutes just petting and talking to him. His biggest aggravation was stomping at flies. Didn't mind me one bit.
I really enjoy working with young stock because you never know what they'll do. It's also rewarding to ride that horse or watch someone else ride and know that he learned all that because of you. Breaking a horse not only makes them employable and easier to find homes but, I also think they like having a job to do.
More updates and Steel photos to follow as his training progresses. Next is ground driving.
Steel is a 2010 homebred colt out of Doka Doll Fleet by Plaudits Black Ace
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