 | 2014 is drawing to a close and we wanted to reflect on the year, what went well and what didn't go so well for us. |
As we mentioned in our last blog entry, the day before Christmas Eve, I had to put my best furry friend and constant companion Enzo to sleep do to illness and around Thanksgiving one of my landladies ranch dogs, Bud had to be put to sleep. Two very sad events and I'd say the worst parts of 2014.
I tried to get the gardens going in the Spring but due to my having used chicken wire instead of hardware cloth around the raised beds, critters were able to raze the gardens to the ground.
On the brighter side for 2014, I did get my Plymouth Barred Rocks and successfully raised them from day old chicks to the point where they should start laying in a month. They are all still very docile and inquisitive, which I attribute to daily handling. Even now, when I am cleaning or feeding, I wind up with one or two on each shoulder and on perching on my hat. A comical sight to behold.
We also have the required licenses and paperwork on file with the State and Local Government Departments to be able to sell the eggs in 2015.
I have also made some great friends in the production side of sustainable, prepping, gardening, animal raising aspects of homesteading as well as some great suppliers. We look forward to making even more friends and in 2015.
Our 2014 ends with a bright side, the day after Christmas I was feeling rather lonely and wound up at the local Humane Society JUST to look at what animals were available. There were lots of Pit and Bully mixes, which I have a soft spot for but because they would be around chickens, sheep, other dogs and a barn cat I wasn't interested in them. There was also a plethora of Chihuahuas, which would just be coyote snacks out here. I did see a couple of Border Collies, but they appeared skittish and I was not interested in devoting my energy into rehabilitation efforts at this point. But I did find 2 female Shepherd mixes about a year old that were cage mates. I couldn't decide if I wanted them, but they were friendly and very attentive when I had them bought out of their kennel to the play yard.
I went back the next day and they were still available, I still couldn't decide which I liked best, so I adopted them both. :)
On the brighter side for 2014, I did get my Plymouth Barred Rocks and successfully raised them from day old chicks to the point where they should start laying in a month. They are all still very docile and inquisitive, which I attribute to daily handling. Even now, when I am cleaning or feeding, I wind up with one or two on each shoulder and on perching on my hat. A comical sight to behold.
We also have the required licenses and paperwork on file with the State and Local Government Departments to be able to sell the eggs in 2015.
I have also made some great friends in the production side of sustainable, prepping, gardening, animal raising aspects of homesteading as well as some great suppliers. We look forward to making even more friends and in 2015.
Our 2014 ends with a bright side, the day after Christmas I was feeling rather lonely and wound up at the local Humane Society JUST to look at what animals were available. There were lots of Pit and Bully mixes, which I have a soft spot for but because they would be around chickens, sheep, other dogs and a barn cat I wasn't interested in them. There was also a plethora of Chihuahuas, which would just be coyote snacks out here. I did see a couple of Border Collies, but they appeared skittish and I was not interested in devoting my energy into rehabilitation efforts at this point. But I did find 2 female Shepherd mixes about a year old that were cage mates. I couldn't decide if I wanted them, but they were friendly and very attentive when I had them bought out of their kennel to the play yard.
I went back the next day and they were still available, I still couldn't decide which I liked best, so I adopted them both. :)
 | Here's the girls last night (day 2), adjusting to their new home. Mischa, on the left, was spayed on 12/27/14 and has to wear that for 2 weeks. Bella, on the right, was very skittish and shaking when I went to pick her up but calmed down on the ride home and since getting home has made great strides in finding her comfort zone. |
Goals, dreams, hopes and wishes for 2015
To start with, seeds have been started indoors and the raised beds are being built and filled. Strawberries were just planted and the extra's are being sold through various local means.
We hope to have plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and eggs for our own consumption as well as to sell at a couple local Farmers Markets. We are also working on some crafts, namely incense to sell online and at the Farmers Markets. Our Farmers Markets also allow no more than 25% of our items to be produced off property.
We also plan to add another 25-50 Plymouth Barred Rocks to the laying flock, which also means building another coop and outdoor brooding pen. We hope to begin our journey into meat rabbits with New Zealand Whites from a friend of ours once the hutches are built.
Speaking of building, plans are being drawn up for a greenhouse and hoop houses to extend our growing seasons.
We hope to include more original content and that you continue to follow our journey here, through Facebook and with us on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and YouTube.
Our wishes for 2015 are that everyone of our friends and family have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year in 2015!!
What are your goals and dreams for 2015? Write a comment and share it with us.
Best wishes!! Doug, Mischa, Bella and the girls in the hen house!
We hope to have plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and eggs for our own consumption as well as to sell at a couple local Farmers Markets. We are also working on some crafts, namely incense to sell online and at the Farmers Markets. Our Farmers Markets also allow no more than 25% of our items to be produced off property.
We also plan to add another 25-50 Plymouth Barred Rocks to the laying flock, which also means building another coop and outdoor brooding pen. We hope to begin our journey into meat rabbits with New Zealand Whites from a friend of ours once the hutches are built.
Speaking of building, plans are being drawn up for a greenhouse and hoop houses to extend our growing seasons.
We hope to include more original content and that you continue to follow our journey here, through Facebook and with us on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and YouTube.
Our wishes for 2015 are that everyone of our friends and family have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year in 2015!!
What are your goals and dreams for 2015? Write a comment and share it with us.
Best wishes!! Doug, Mischa, Bella and the girls in the hen house!
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