Luna has had an oral dose of Strongid-P
Horrible stuff! Poor Luna
She had some pony nuts to compensate though :o)
Sunday 29 April 2012
Thursday 26 April 2012
Animal Feed
Got asked about what animal feed we use so here it is.
Chudleys for the puppy, Fancy Feeds for the birds and locally produced Pony Nuts, Rabbit & Goat Mix.
What I would say is that the only one we would change if the local saddlery supplied it, would be the goat mix as we would prefer Allen & Page's pygmy goat mix but sadly its not available in our area and way to ineffective cost wise to order over the Internet.
But, that said they do great on the mix produced at Dropping Wells Farm, Bewdley :o)
Chudleys for the puppy, Fancy Feeds for the birds and locally produced Pony Nuts, Rabbit & Goat Mix.
What I would say is that the only one we would change if the local saddlery supplied it, would be the goat mix as we would prefer Allen & Page's pygmy goat mix but sadly its not available in our area and way to ineffective cost wise to order over the Internet.
But, that said they do great on the mix produced at Dropping Wells Farm, Bewdley :o)
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| FF chick crumb & layers pellet. Local goat mix |
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| Local rabbits mix, Chudleys Junior, local pony nuts & specialist waterfowl pellet by Fancy feeds |
Lefty has left us
Poor little Lefty the duckling sadly passed away after a day or two of being under the weather.
Just goes to show that it is rarely worth while assisting a chick or duckling who is failing to hatch by themselves. There is usually a reason for their weakness.
Rest in peace little ducky. We miss you :o(
Just goes to show that it is rarely worth while assisting a chick or duckling who is failing to hatch by themselves. There is usually a reason for their weakness.
Rest in peace little ducky. We miss you :o(
Saturday 21 April 2012
Lefty's Physiotherapy
Here is Lefty the Duck having a little swim. I thought it might help him to take the weight off and exercise his disabled hip!
His leg has developed strongly under the circumstances, but his hip looks permanently deformed.
Most breeders would cull this duckling without a second thought but I have always preferred to leave those sorts of decision to Mother Nature! If this little chap can get around and compete with his larger siblings then in my eyes, he deserves to live. As you can see, his quality of life is good and if he continues to develop happily, he can stay here for as long as he and MN see fit!
His leg has developed strongly under the circumstances, but his hip looks permanently deformed.
Most breeders would cull this duckling without a second thought but I have always preferred to leave those sorts of decision to Mother Nature! If this little chap can get around and compete with his larger siblings then in my eyes, he deserves to live. As you can see, his quality of life is good and if he continues to develop happily, he can stay here for as long as he and MN see fit!
Hatchery Update April 2012
In the Incubator
Light & Silver Sussex Bantams
Gold Partridge Wyandotte
Quail
Khaki Campbells
Call Ducks
(All Turkey & Maran Bantam were candled clear!)
In the Hatcher
Cotswold Legbar
Cuckoo Maran (Large Fowl)
In the Brooders
Batch 1 0303
4 weeks old
Light & Silver Sussex Bantams
Gold Partridge Wyandotte
Quail
Khaki Campbells
Call Ducks
(All Turkey & Maran Bantam were candled clear!)
In the Hatcher
Cotswold Legbar
Cuckoo Maran (Large Fowl)
In the Brooders
Batch 1 0303
4 weeks old
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| A Silkie?! Labelled as a Millefleur Pekin! |
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| 4 Light Sussex plus a Lemon Cuckoo Pekin (forgot to photograph)
|
Batch 2 0303
3 weeks old
4 Mixed Ducklings - See separate post for video clip
Batch 3 1603
1 week old
2 Khaki Campbells Ducklings
Batch 4 1703
2 weeks old
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| 4 Golden Partridge Pekins |
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| 3 Cuckoo Pekins |
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| 3 Light Sussex Bantams |
Batch 5 1703
2 weeks old
 |
| 5 Silver Dorkings |
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| 4 Sultans |
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| 10 Buff Orpingtons |
Batch 7 0204
2 days old
 |
| 2 Quails |
Friday 20 April 2012
Fly's Training
Well, Fly is 4 months old now and growing up fast!
We have continued to practice his basic training until last Sunday when his formal Puppy School classes began. We are hoping that the classes get a little more advanced because the first one was way too basic for Fly! We were all a little bored, but it was another opportunity to socialise a little with other pups.
He still attends puppy parties too which he loves as he gets more play time with the puppies.
I am very impressed with his recall although have had no practice off lead around other dogs yet! I walk him on a 15ft line and let him off when we are some place quiet. He reliably comes to the whistle - even WITH distractions.
For example, this morning there was a random duck in the middle of the field which he chased. I let him get near to the duck and then blew the whistle. He turned on his heels and raced back to me!
I have had to re-teach 'fetch' because we were playing 'search' which has confused him. Search means he touches the object with his nose to get a reward so when he comes to 'fetch', he was forgetting to actually brings the item back! lol
He caught on fast as ever though and I am able to use 'fetch' to practice his recall. I throw a stick and whistle before he gets to it so he then has to ignore the stick and return. Which he does beautifully.
So whilst singing his praises he does of course have SOME bad habits lol. Namely, trying to chase cars that whizz past him and also jumping up and biting at people and clothes whilst walking on the lead.
I feel the jumping up thing only happens when he is either excited or frustrated so I am trying to figure out solutions to both. Frustration I think comes from wanting to go faster, but I have a 5 year old in tow so hence Fly gets bored of stopping and starting, plus the pace is too slow for a puppy. Excitement comes when I tether him outside the school gate and his little fan club of children give him lots of attention. Walking home can then be a nightmare.
I may have found the solution to both in the form of 'carry'. I tried to give him his empty treat bag this morning and he proceeded to carry it all the way home :o)
This curbs his bad behaviours because his brain is taken up with this job. He cannot bite as there is something in his mouth already and although he tends to veer toward cars a little, it is an improvement on trying to leap in front of them with a bark!
Here he is having a leisurely walk at Habberley Valley. You can see how responsive he is for a pup!
We have continued to practice his basic training until last Sunday when his formal Puppy School classes began. We are hoping that the classes get a little more advanced because the first one was way too basic for Fly! We were all a little bored, but it was another opportunity to socialise a little with other pups.
He still attends puppy parties too which he loves as he gets more play time with the puppies.
I am very impressed with his recall although have had no practice off lead around other dogs yet! I walk him on a 15ft line and let him off when we are some place quiet. He reliably comes to the whistle - even WITH distractions.
For example, this morning there was a random duck in the middle of the field which he chased. I let him get near to the duck and then blew the whistle. He turned on his heels and raced back to me!
I have had to re-teach 'fetch' because we were playing 'search' which has confused him. Search means he touches the object with his nose to get a reward so when he comes to 'fetch', he was forgetting to actually brings the item back! lol
He caught on fast as ever though and I am able to use 'fetch' to practice his recall. I throw a stick and whistle before he gets to it so he then has to ignore the stick and return. Which he does beautifully.
So whilst singing his praises he does of course have SOME bad habits lol. Namely, trying to chase cars that whizz past him and also jumping up and biting at people and clothes whilst walking on the lead.
I feel the jumping up thing only happens when he is either excited or frustrated so I am trying to figure out solutions to both. Frustration I think comes from wanting to go faster, but I have a 5 year old in tow so hence Fly gets bored of stopping and starting, plus the pace is too slow for a puppy. Excitement comes when I tether him outside the school gate and his little fan club of children give him lots of attention. Walking home can then be a nightmare.
I may have found the solution to both in the form of 'carry'. I tried to give him his empty treat bag this morning and he proceeded to carry it all the way home :o)
This curbs his bad behaviours because his brain is taken up with this job. He cannot bite as there is something in his mouth already and although he tends to veer toward cars a little, it is an improvement on trying to leap in front of them with a bark!
Here he is having a leisurely walk at Habberley Valley. You can see how responsive he is for a pup!
Thursday 19 April 2012
Jumping Jack Flash
Here are some clips of little Hugo at 5 days old
Now, for all you parents out there who think you have your hands full.. spare a thought for Hermione who has to keep her eye on this little whirling dirvish!
Now, for all you parents out there who think you have your hands full.. spare a thought for Hermione who has to keep her eye on this little whirling dirvish!
Game: Spot the Duck
Here is a little challenge for you... can you spot one of two ducklings hidden among this sea of feeding chicks?!
Mrs Hen's Secret
We have a white Silkie cockerel free ranging in the garden with a crossbred Sussex hen.
They cannily avoid the fox by roosting in the stable behind Luna!
We have been trying to work out for some time where Mrs Hen disappears to. Many an egg hunt has left us empty handed although we knew she was laying daily. She had simply moved from her previous nesting spot in the goat shed to a new secret location.
We have since discovered Mrs Hen's secret... she is incubating a nest of 16 eggs right underneath the bridge! It makes for an ideal hiding place - will have to try to get better film!
They cannily avoid the fox by roosting in the stable behind Luna!
We have been trying to work out for some time where Mrs Hen disappears to. Many an egg hunt has left us empty handed although we knew she was laying daily. She had simply moved from her previous nesting spot in the goat shed to a new secret location.
We have since discovered Mrs Hen's secret... she is incubating a nest of 16 eggs right underneath the bridge! It makes for an ideal hiding place - will have to try to get better film!
Monday 16 April 2012
Hugo
'The Kid' has been named! We discovered that Hermione from Harry Potter had a son in the end, named Hugo. So our Hermione's son is to be Hugo. Here he is below at 2 days old, with Lucian.
Saturday 14 April 2012
*** Special Birth Announcement ***
IF YOU CAME HERE TO VIEW LUCIAN'S PARTY VIDEO - YOU WILL FIND IT IN THE NEXT POST DOWN THE PAGE ;0)
Yesterday, April 13th, Hermione gave birth to a bouncing baby boy.
The birth went incredibly well for a first time mum and it was very special to watch mum and baby bonding during the first hour of life. Luckily for you guys - we caught it on film!
The kid so far remains nameless. Harry & Hermione were named by their previous owners and we always joked that if Hermione were to have a ginger boy, he would have to be called Ron.. however, this adorable little chap is just not a 'Ron' !!.. we are open to suggestions...
Hope you enjoy the video clips:
Yesterday, April 13th, Hermione gave birth to a bouncing baby boy.
The birth went incredibly well for a first time mum and it was very special to watch mum and baby bonding during the first hour of life. Luckily for you guys - we caught it on film!
The kid so far remains nameless. Harry & Hermione were named by their previous owners and we always joked that if Hermione were to have a ginger boy, he would have to be called Ron.. however, this adorable little chap is just not a 'Ron' !!.. we are open to suggestions...
Hope you enjoy the video clips:
_____________________________________
Below is a vid at one day old with me holding him so you can get a better idea of how teeny he is, plus a bit at the end where he is nursing. For info to other newbies, all I have done so far is spray his cord and navel with an antibac spray to protect against infection. Will post about any other medical info as we go.
Monday 9 April 2012
Lucian's 5th Birthday Party
This is a video that was made to say Thank-You to all who attended Lucian's Party.
To follow us and get exciting updates on all of the animals, please do subscribe to this BLOG.
(Probably best viewed here, but to watch the Movie in large size, click on the YouTube logo).
Enjoy!
To follow us and get exciting updates on all of the animals, please do subscribe to this BLOG.
(Probably best viewed here, but to watch the Movie in large size, click on the YouTube logo).
Enjoy!
___________________________________________________
__________________________________________
Happy Birthday Luna
12 Today
Tuesday 3 April 2012
Papa
Introducing 'Papa'... a cockerel that was given to Lucian as a gift today. No idea why Lucian has named him papa but he is thrilled with this giant Barred Cochin who is an extremely friendly gentleman. We have popped him in the aviaries for the night so that Mr Fox doesn't come for tea! Will get some decent video tomorrow as it is hard to appreciate what a nice bird this is :o)
Edina Patsy & Bubbles
I will have to get photos in the morning, but we have three new additions today in the form of laying white Indian Runner ducks! They got ab fab names due to the fact that we call them 'comedy ducks' ...
So, will see about a photo or vid of 'Edina, Patsy & Bubbles' tomorrow :o)
So, will see about a photo or vid of 'Edina, Patsy & Bubbles' tomorrow :o)
Eggs
Lots of the older eggs are due to hatch this week including various Pekin Bantams, more Light Sussex Bantams, an odd Fresian, Buff Orpington, Sultan and Silver Dorking (think that is all of them!)
Next in to start incubating are:
Maran
Cotswold Legbar
Quail
American Bronze Turkey
Call Duck
Khaki Campbells
Next in to start incubating are:
Maran
Cotswold Legbar
Quail
American Bronze Turkey
Call Duck
Khaki Campbells
Monday 2 April 2012
Lefty
Lucian has a little old teddy named Lefty due to his having two left feet.. well now we also have 'Lefty' the duck!
We were astounded to see this little duckling walking about with his three buddies this morning. He is a very strong little thing and even though he has a poorly developed leg, he is managing really well indeed.
If he makes it and has a good quality of life but his leg fails to completely correct, he will stay here for good.
Lefty:
We were astounded to see this little duckling walking about with his three buddies this morning. He is a very strong little thing and even though he has a poorly developed leg, he is managing really well indeed.
If he makes it and has a good quality of life but his leg fails to completely correct, he will stay here for good.
Lefty:
and friends:
Baby Guinea Pigs - First Pics
We are thrilled to see Ginger looking after the pups that were born whilst she was free ranging outside.
We did not feel that we could leave them to be raised in 'the wild' and have had to catch them up and keep Ginger inside with her brood for their own safety. The weather keeps throwing us the odd frost and there are cats plus a rogue fox about at the moment. Ginger seems glad of the safety and once the pups are weaned in 4 weeks, she will be able to return to the garden once again.
Here is an up to date shot of the first litter born late last year:
We did not feel that we could leave them to be raised in 'the wild' and have had to catch them up and keep Ginger inside with her brood for their own safety. The weather keeps throwing us the odd frost and there are cats plus a rogue fox about at the moment. Ginger seems glad of the safety and once the pups are weaned in 4 weeks, she will be able to return to the garden once again.
Here is an up to date shot of the first litter born late last year:
And here are the new pups, born 2 days ago:
Sunday 1 April 2012
Multi-Update!
Lots to report!
Ducklings
Since my last post, three more ducklings have arrived and more are due tonight (Welsh Harlequin).
Sadly, one of the newbies has two left feet! No - literally. Both legs face in the same direction and we will need to attempt to correct the poor little fellow with a splint. We have waited to see if it self corrects and it has not so we may try a pipe cleaner or a straw on the leg to straighten it and help it develop correctly.
Will report back!
Goats
Yesterday we had a good feel of Hermione's belly and felt the baby kicking! It was a lovely experience. We can also see that her udder is swelling. Should be about two weeks away from birth - there 'may' be twin kids but she doesn't seem particularly even or large so we are guessing she will have a single child :o)
Ginger Pig
Mummy Guinea Pig has given birth to five pups whilst free ranging in the farmyard but sadly, two were attacked (possibly by Daddy Pig). We found one which could not be saved and one (look away now) disembowled and half eaten as is often the case and we have experienced a lot with other species. We have worked with african giant pouched rats, harvest mice, african pygmy dormice, zebra mice, grass rats, mongolian gerbils, tristrams jirds, libyan jirds, ground squirrels, asian garden dormice, kangaroo rats, greater jerboas to name a few. Cannibalism goes with the territory with breeding rodents but is always a sad occurence and the darker side of mother nature for sure :o(
Good news for the others though - Ginger who has the experience of a previous litter under her belt, has not abandoned the remaining pups and we were able to collect the family up and keep Ginger with her three babies in a pen in the house to keep warm.
She has two Agouti and one Tri Coloured.
Updates to follow!
Ducklings
Since my last post, three more ducklings have arrived and more are due tonight (Welsh Harlequin).
Sadly, one of the newbies has two left feet! No - literally. Both legs face in the same direction and we will need to attempt to correct the poor little fellow with a splint. We have waited to see if it self corrects and it has not so we may try a pipe cleaner or a straw on the leg to straighten it and help it develop correctly.
Will report back!
Goats
Yesterday we had a good feel of Hermione's belly and felt the baby kicking! It was a lovely experience. We can also see that her udder is swelling. Should be about two weeks away from birth - there 'may' be twin kids but she doesn't seem particularly even or large so we are guessing she will have a single child :o)
Ginger Pig
Mummy Guinea Pig has given birth to five pups whilst free ranging in the farmyard but sadly, two were attacked (possibly by Daddy Pig). We found one which could not be saved and one (look away now) disembowled and half eaten as is often the case and we have experienced a lot with other species. We have worked with african giant pouched rats, harvest mice, african pygmy dormice, zebra mice, grass rats, mongolian gerbils, tristrams jirds, libyan jirds, ground squirrels, asian garden dormice, kangaroo rats, greater jerboas to name a few. Cannibalism goes with the territory with breeding rodents but is always a sad occurence and the darker side of mother nature for sure :o(
Good news for the others though - Ginger who has the experience of a previous litter under her belt, has not abandoned the remaining pups and we were able to collect the family up and keep Ginger with her three babies in a pen in the house to keep warm.
She has two Agouti and one Tri Coloured.
Updates to follow!
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