First hatchlings of the year

Our first hatchlings this year came in the form of ducklings. We have previously hatched ducklings in our incubator. This was the first time we have had a duck go broody and sit of the eggs. Mum and her 5 babies (one more than the 4 in the photo!) are now in a separate run and are doing well.

Keeping the home fire burning

April has been rather odd as far as the weather is concerned. Sunny and dry through the day, very cold and dry through the night. It's been great for charging up the battery from the solar panels. But the cold has required us to bring the stove back into use to heat the house. Our cat was happy with that! 

Babies at last!

 Our 2 Texel sheep lambed in February. And then we waited for Madge, our Suffolk, to give birth. And we waited some more, and kept waiting......

The waiting came to an end yesterday. Madge had 2 babies, both girls.

Donating 2 goats

 Last month we donated the two small goats, Sooty and Sweep, to a charitable organisation just a couple of km from where we live. They run outdoor educational activities for children, especially those needing extra help. The two goats were hand raised by us so they are very friendly and used to being handled by people. The video above was filmed on the day we moved them.

Our first lambs

We are new to sheep keeping but this video was filmed on the day in February when our first lambs were born. Ethel had three babies but one did not survive the birth.

Digging up artichokes

We have one crop from last year that is still being harvested: Jerusalem artichokes. I dug up another sack of them yesterday. Great in soups, veggie curries, gratin and especially lovely when roasted.

Our first lambs

We now have three lambs! Ethel and Dot have had their babies. Alas, they are all tups so we won't be keeping any. One sheep is still waiting to give birth. Madge is looking large and hopefully will have at least one ewe. Fingers crossed.