This morning, after moving the ducklings out to their day pen, I decided it was time they moved to some outdoor digs. They love their water a little too much and their "swimming pool" cage was a mess. Not only that, but they can get just enough lift to get over the edge of the pool when frightened.
I also decided it was time to get the six pullets (female chicks) to a new location.
And thus decided that the older turkey poults would also go...somewhere...other than the cage that I needed for the quail chicks that are set to hatch any day.
But, first things first...
We got the hens and rooster from the back chicken cage and put them back in the chicken/goat yard in the woods. This didn't work so well since the hens are small enough to get through the fencing. They ended up in the back yard again, free ranging and trying to figure out why they couldn't get into their cage, which was shut.
Al and I then got to work putting up a new pasture for the turkeys and chickens, called Churkeys by me. In doing this, we had to relocate the chicken cage (night time safety house), but the process proved a little more difficult than planned since the board snapped upon lifting with the forklift. So Al and I had to drag it, to which it continuously got snagged on rocks in the ground. But...it got there.
Then the fun part! We wanted to put the sheep in to help eat the plants and unwanted poison ivy. That proved to be a pain in the tush! Sheep are not the brightest animals in my opinion. Al tackled a few to catch them, and while one was herded out by the neck, the other was picked up by the legs by me. When they were all finally in the pen, we were able to close them into the new pen (with turkeys and chickens). The fence was tested for strength, and we moved on to the next job.
We moved the back poultry cage over a bit in order to access the compost the chickensmade, and to put on fresh ground for the chicks and poults. When that was ready, I gathered the 7 older poults and the 6 chicks and put them in their new home. They are very content AND are getting along perfectly.
After cleaning up the milk room where we were brooding all these birds, we decided to put up a pen in the front yard for the ducks to have a permanent and safe place to hang out. So up went another electric fence next to my new garden area (that later). The ducks were collected from their temporary pen and placed into the new one. They are enjoying the space, sunshine, and grass.
Later tonight I will need to go out and spray some neem oil on some of the garden greens and leaves that are being nibbled on by insects. I had sprayed it this morning, but rinsed it off with water when I realized that the sun would possibly burn the leaves with the oil on them.
I forgot to mention that Caleb helped me harvest my chive seeds this morning. We have the blooms laying on a grain bag to dry. After he finished gathering the seed heads, he gave the chives a little "haircut".
So you may be wondering what I meant by new garden. Well, I realized I just don't have the space for gardening all I want to grow, so we decided to put a small garden in the front yard, too. This garden space will be for what I can't fit and for those things that need seed saved, but need distance for purity. So there will be a tomato plant, some butternut squash, watermelon, and a few other things.
Al cleaned out all the hay and manure from the goat dry lot and brought it over for me to start some garden beds with. It was a bit smelly from all the rain, but the odor is dissipating. The chicken compost was also brought over. (Don't worry, this is from the composting chickens. Not smelly at all!)
On a sad note, our huge pear tree and an apple tree had to be cut down completely due to fire blight. There was absolutely no hope for these trees with the extent of damage they had. Another tree will also be cut down because of the spread of the disease even though it doesn't look near as bad as the other two. The third apple tree, farthest from the pear tree (the source), does have some fire blight, but I was able to trim almost all of it off in hope of getting some apples this fall. As you can imagine, this is quite the disappointment. The pear tree was easily 30 foot tall and had so much fruit last year I couldn't even pick it all.
Yet, on a somewhat positive note, we were able to purchase some new fire blight resistant trees from Stark Brothers during a sale last weekend. We also purchased two young olive trees, and another elderberry bush. The pear and apple trees will be planted near the house to limit the risk of contamination. Even though they are resistant, doesn't mean it is okay to be careless.
In other news:
We have had an absolutely amazing strawberry season, but I think it is coming to an end. We have harvested close to 19 pounds of strawberries from our 2 by 12 foot bed. I am so thankful for these berries! We have made it a point to freeze every other batch for jams.
We have been picking a lot of peas. The kids like to eat them raw and they are so sweet! I realized that one of the packets I planted were actually snow pea seeds that I put in the wrong packet! So we have some gorgeous plants nearing four feet tall!
Last night we had friends over for a last minute barbecue. It was really nice to fellowship with believers new to the area.
Alexandra was put into braces on Friday. But unfortunately, a bracket popped off only a few short hours after having them put on - and - of course AFTER the office was closed for business. She is adjusting well, but misses eating a lot of the foods she used to love to snack on like almonds, peanuts, and other crunchy things.
Caleb has picked up on a few new games like Ticket to Ride and Dutch Blitz. He is quick to learn!
Well, that about sums it up. My eyes are tired and I need to clean up the kitchen. Hope you have a blessed week.
Enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are enjoying it, Gus. Love you.
DeleteBusy day
ReplyDeleteWow! What a lot of work! The variety of animals AND of produce and amount of attention and work that all takes is amazing and I certainly understand why you were exhausted! May the fruits of all that labor be plentiful and good, and bring health and joy to all of you!
ReplyDeleteI like to watch the tv program “Alaska, the Last Frontier, and your stories remind me of all the work they do to build their homes, gardens, care for their animals, and share the fruits of their hard work with each other in the extended Kilcher family as well as with friends, and particularly Eve who raises more food so she can have enough to share with a food pantry for people who have less, and friends, as you did in this post.
I am sure I am not as plentiful as she is. I keep telling myself this isn't by our might, but by HIS. If something doesn't grow, it isn't because I failed, but because He said no. I couldn't imagine being in Alaska, that is a difficult state to live in on so many levels.
DeleteMan you all were busy!! Are busy! I weeded my gardens, planted 14 tree shrubs and thought I was dying haha glad all the birds are moved around and happy. Loved the first picture
ReplyDeleteOf the tree lined road. Reminded me of Anne of Green Gables.
You got a lot done! Not such a little thing to plant shrubs and trees! Every single bit counts towards something - a goal. Al works so late into the day, that not much time is left during the week to get things done. We have no choice but to hit the work and hit it hard. But it is so hard to remember to drink water and protect the skin...I am sunburned! We crashed pretty early last night.
DeleteYikes! Sun burns are no fun. And yes, drink that water! Does Al have another job, or are you talking about normal homestead things he’s busy with?
DeleteTicket to ride is definitely not an easy game to learn. Hopefully each game is played for fun and togetherness and not for competition. Its not the winning that matters but the playing together. Miss the kids and look forward to their next visit. Been disassembling the Legos they assembled and putting them back in their boxes ready for next time :)
ReplyDeleteTeach the children everything you can about homesteading so they can step up and help you when you are unable to do what needs to be done. This is a legacy that is invaluable in the hard times.
No way! Alexandra is in braces now thats awesome lol. Love seeing pictures of the animals and siblings.
ReplyDelete