Hi all, I hope that you are all keeping well. Unfortunately, COVID seems to be continuing to do the rounds, I have many friends who have it at the moment so keep safe everyone.
There has been a lot going on at Pintail Paddocks, since my last post. We have purchased some more poultry and have been busy working with the livestock we already have, as well as creating new areas for new livestock. The plants have really started to tell us that spring is here, and they are all beginning to grow and bud up.
All the current animals are settling in well. The alpacas are getting much friendlier, although their inquisitive nature means that they must have their nose into anything that you are doing anyway. They are becoming more accustomed to having their halters on and having required treatment. Such as today, with support, I trimmed Angel’s toes as I had noticed that they were slightly overgrown, and one was slightly curling in. To say it was the first time that I had done this with her she was extremely calm and relaxed. However, I think that your own state of mind helps, so lots of zen flowing from me. Next on the list for the girls, is walking them around the paddock. This will need to be done regularly from now on so that they feel safe and happy. Once this has been accomplished, I will be able to start carrying out alpaca meet, greet, and walk. I am so looking forward to sharing the girls with others. They certainly have shown that being consistent and keeping going comes to fruition in the end. Well, fingers crossed as we aren’t there yet.
We have more chickens. We have 7 more chickens, which are point of lay (POL) girls. These are being kept separate from my main flock at the moment, to make sure that they are all healthy and not going to cause any cross contamination of any bugs. Although, it looks like a feather pillow in their run at the moment, as one of the Light Sussex is malting! We have 2 Light Sussex, 3 Buff Sussex and 2 sweet little bantams, which are Barred Rocks. The poor chickens are still on flockdown as avian flu is still a real issue. I was hoping that we were heading in the right direction as I hadn’t heard from the government body, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for a while and then I had a text advising that a case had been confirmed near Ilkeston, Erewash, Derbyshire. So, it doesn’t look like their will be any lifting of restrictions any time soon. The chickens are kept busy with one thing and another, but it is still frustrating that they can’t do their own thing.
We also have 10 little chicks; they are so very cute. They are all being kept as one flock, separate from the others, and will be introduced to as a whole flock, when they are at least 16 weeks old. They are a mixture of Rhode Island Reds, Black Marans, and Light Sussex. They seem to be eating their bodyweight in feed and growing at the rate of knots. It will be lovely to see them grow into full grown birds. As you can imagine, the grandchildren love them. You will be able to see them grow with me, as I will continue sharing pictures on here, and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
The latest on our gorgeous but exuberant puppy, is that I am sure that she is beginning to go through her terrible teens! She is just coming up to 6 months and I think that her hormones are getting busy. We had perfect recall, and an absolutely polite and courteous puppy. Not now! Don’t get me wrong, she is still gorgeous and gives the best cuddles, but I am having to be very firm but fair with her. Otherwise, she would be unbearable. Lots of exercise, training, and sleep. It’s okay though as we should only have it for the next 18 months ha ha. Wish us luck!
The plants are all coming along nicely. I have lots of seeds in. However, I am behind with my seed sowing, but you can only do what you can do. I don’t put too much pressure on myself and do what I can when I can. I hope you do the same as it is so easy to continually push yourself and then just simply burn out. Our bodies and minds can only take so much! This is from someone who knows. You will see in some of the pictures that the weather has been good to the plants and what is in, is growing well.
We are at present preparing for some new additions. I will keep you in suspense for that. You will have to try and guess.
That’s it from me for now. Take care everyone and look after those close to you. Big hugs and catch up with you soon.
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