Nesting Boxes

While I have permanent nesting boxes in coop # 1, I needed several boxes for coop #2. While shopping at Sam's I had seen several empty boxes and not only needing boxes for groceries to go in but, I had a brainstorm. Hmmmmm, which would be best for a nesting box. I have found the produce boxes from Taylor Farm's are great for nesting boxes. On Saturday they will keep a stack of them out for people to take. During the week just ask if they do not have any out and they will be more than happy to get you one. They are perfect as you can see from the pictures for nesting boxes. Vincent my cat enjoys them also. Once, while Mama hen was off of her nest he laid on her eggs while she was out. When the boxes need replaced I put the old box in the fire pit & replace with another box. I must mention that I have discovered that my hens prefer these boxes over the permanent boxes in coop #1.

Goat Hoof Trimming 101

While I have trimmed horse hooves many times this was my first time trimming goat hooves. I purchased a Goat Hoof Trimming kit along with Hoof & Heal. Many of the youtube video's I watched showed people using hoof shears and one man used garden shears. Many of them used the shears to pick out debris. I purchased and used a brush with a pick on one end for brushing & picking debris. I personally feel that the shears being sharp I am risking a puncture into the soft frog or sole. While I did purchase a Hoof Plane it was not needed while trimming my Goat's hooves. You may view videos on youtube for those of you like me who want as much info as possible before taking on this task for the first time. While I was nervous it turned out to be very easy. Begin the process by cleaning away any dirt with your brush/hoof pick. Next, trimming away any excess side wall.If your not sure how much to trim, do a little at a time till you see pink color in the hoof. That is when you stop. If you cut to deep the hoof will bleed. You can use blood stop powder. Many have told me that flour will work. Trim away any overgrown hoof wall making sure to make it parallel with the coronary band (the hairline). The front of the wall should be a little longer than the back. Cut off the flaps that may be folding over the frog. If you start out by trimming just a little at a time you will see how easy it is. Again, after trimming, give the hoof a brushing and pick out any debris if any. You will check the frog for any tenderness. Note that the hoof will have a little odor from walking around on the ground. If it is very foul or has a discharge you may have the start of hoof rot. Hoof Rot is infectious so you will need to disinfect all of your trimming equipment. Also dispose of hoof shavings in a sealed bag or on the fire pit. Treat the foot with Hoof-N-Heel. Make sure the goat is NOT exposed to any wet areas at least for 4 weeks to allow the organisms in the soil to dry out. The goats I acquired needed hoof trimming in a bad way so I will trim them every two weeks till I get the hooves in shape. After that I will only need to trim 3 to 4 times a year.

So Lucky To Be An American

My Brother sent me this in an email with this message.

Watch this video and really listen to him.....I guess with all of our complaining about our country we forget the things this cowboy is pointing out to us....We need to count our blessings and be more thankful..Even a very bad day in America is better than a good day in Haiti or many other countries...We are even better off when we are unemployed than a lot of people in other countries who have jobs paying pennies a day for back breaking work..Wake up America and count your blessings...What a bunch of whiners we are.....



We need to be more tolerant of our differences too....

Blonde Moments

Hello Everyone,

I have corrected several mistakes due to one of the many blonde moments I have. Lets roll with it

Tigger is a her not a him.

Peek A Boo Streak should have been Peekaboo Street.

Tigger is a cross Boer.

Peekaboo, a cross Pygmy.

Sweetpea emanates sweetness and I adore her. Nooooo, I am not playing favorites....She is so Sweet and no I do not know what kind she is other than pure sweetness. Like I stated, a motley crew, but I ♥♥ love ♥♥ them. Gotta run as I have lots of farm chores to do.

Peace & Everyone have a wonderful day!

MOTLEY CRUE

Getting the new arrivals home was uneventful and that is a good thing. Sweetpea did not know what to think. She was like a kindergarten child's first day hiding behind me most of the time. The other two did want to get a little rough at times. I am sure that is what goats do but, remember Sweetpea's previous owner kept her in a dog kennel and treated her like a puppy so she acts like one. I did go online and order the Hoof Kit w/hoof and Heel. They need their hooves trimmed in a real bad way. The previous owner could not do it because of a bad back and did not have any help. These two that she gave me were rescues as well from the Jacksonville area. Okay, If I would have planned this I would have bought Dwarf Nigerian Goats that were already vaccinated, dehorned, etc...I did not get to choose this moment it choose me. So I also have some horns that I am going to take the points off of. Bought the tool for that as well. I stood looking into the pasture yesterday watching them and I thought, What a Motley Crew! Gotta Love it!

Sweetpea peeking out of the safety of her stall



This one does not stand still long enough to get a picture. I took probably 30 pics trying to get a good one and this is the best I could get for now. The previous owner named her Boing. Not sure if I spelled that correctly. She said, because she bounces everywhere. Sure enough this one is very playful and bounces around like Tigger in Pooh Land. It is funny to watch. I will be changing the name to Tigger.


This one is a Pygmy and loves Tigger. She makes a alot of noise if she gets separated from Tigger. Previous Owner called her Covergirl because of the eyes. After watching her move ever so graceful and jumping over things the first thing that came to my mind was Peakaboo Street. You know the USA Olympic Skier. I have not thought of her since her last Olympic appearance. I will probably name this one Peekaboo. (Thanks Yvette for helping me out on the correction of Peekaboo.)

Today is the day. Yippee for Sweetpea

Today is the day that Sweetpea gets her two new companions. While she has been very content with all the attention I have been giving her she really needs her two new companions. I will get some pictures posted this evening if the rains allow it. Weather radar shows some really bad weather coming our way.

Sweetpea Update

Just a quick update. Sweetpea is doing fine. I have been spending lots of time with her. Trying to teach her to climb. Being that she was confined to a small kennel she is not sure what to do. She is loving her pasture, jumping, dancing and exploring. I did have to go back to the vet as her eye started oozing. He gave my some drops that I will give twice a day. It is Gentamicin Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution USP 0.3%.

I made her a sweater in case we have the severe freezing temperatures again. She tried it on and it looked great on her. While spending time with her she follows me everywhere. She loves getting treats. She gets excited and starts dancing. It fills my heart with joy to watch her be playful and happy.

I am not sure what kind of goat she is. I don't think she is a fainting goat because Max scared her and well she did not faint. Just some kind of mix.

She does have two friends coming on Saturday to live with her and keep her company. I will be posting pictures. Been a little busy lately. Thanks everyone for your kind comments.