The Greenhorn Homesteader

Irresponsible Homesteading

2011-03-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

If you don’t think animals have any real significance don’t read this particular blog. I am on my soapbox tonight and rather peeved as well.

I found out from a very good source that if a dairy farmer loses 1/3 of its calves to scours they consider that a good year.   A good Year???   Really??   You have to be kidding me??   No pun intended here. If I lose one rabbit, one kid, one chicken I am broken hearted! Yes we raise certain animals for their meat but there is the honorable way and there is the disgraceful way of doing it.

I am not naïve about where my food comes from. That is why I have chosen the harder road, to raise my own food with love, dignity and respect.  In turn it will provide me better health and a connection I simply can’t get from the supermarket.

At Lakeside Country Farm every animal is important to us, every animal has a purpose, but every animal is loved, respected and treated with dignity as all life should be. No animal is mistreated and each is socialized on a daily basis.   Yes the chickens are petted and talked too. No animal is sold before they are fully weaned. This means we have a larger investment in our animals and therefore they cost more. And that means they are not available as early either. This policy has cost us sales. Do we change our policy because of this? Absolutely not! And we won’t even consider doing so.

I am so furious with all the breeders, homesteaders, and farmers out there who only care about their damn profit margin. But really, how dare anyone sell animals to naive or unprepared buyers just because they can! And to those buyers out there always looking for the cheapest animal they can find. Well you get what you pay for! And why would you want a cheap animal that is not socialized, and will probably die on you in a few months or it will definitely be unhealthy? Cheaper is not better! And where are those breeders when you are having troubles?

It is irresponsible that animals are being sold before they are fully weaned and maybe only a few days old. These animals have been sentenced to a horrible death, scours. Milk-replacer is what we call the liquid death. How can any animal owner be so irresponsible? No wonder the animal activists are out for blood from this industry. Farmers and breeders are their own worse enemy and then they try to blame it on fanciful thinking or even ignorance. Sorry guys! That just doesn’t cut it. It is because the industry has become so focused on the bottom line and making a fast buck, that they no longer care about their animals. And their animals know it!

It offends my very sense of sensibility to be considered part of it. All I can hope to do is stand apart from the herd and do things differently along with others out there trying to do the same. And I offer up advice whenever possible that might save an animal or two.

The Greenhorn Homesteader

Enough Snow Already!

2011-02-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Oh my Gosh, two blizzards in the same year would be bad enough. But in the same month! Winter on the homestead just took on a whole new meaning. Plowing…on foot…through two foot to three foot drifts to bring feed and water to our animals is getting to be old. I know they appreciate it but holy cow!

And then add to all this wonderful winter fun my hubby decides to take one huge slip on the ice and ruins his shoulder. Now mind you he is the Big Farm Hand on our homestead. He’s the brawn while I am the brains. lol

So now since he is the one arm bandit and guess who gets to carry water to the barns for 8 goats, roughly 20 rabbits and 21 chickens. And this is no little stroll. It’s a good hundred yards if it is a foot. Sigh.

I am anxiously awaiting spring. Bring on the mud!!! :)

But on a high note the goats are kidding and we have three lovely new kids to date on the farm. Sylvie is huge and I can’t believe she has not given birth yet. It will be nice having these little ones jumping around this spring. They bring us such entertainment. We have Farm TV. And I can’t think of anything more enjoyable to watch, except my grandchildren.

Wishing us all an early Spring.

The Greenhorn Homesteader

Winter on the Homestead

2011-01-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

Winter on the Homestead is a great time to reminisce about where we are, how far we have come and where we want to be. Some memories are just hilarious, some touching others very sad, and some are only funny after the fact. It’s those lessons that are learned the hard way that sometimes we wind up laughing about after the fact. One such incident had to do with our wonderful Nubian Buck, Starbuck. You see most of what we have learned about goats has been in two forms, by books…lots of books and by experience.

Our first goat triplets we purchased were from the same herd and we brought them to our farm together. They had been well socialized by the children of that particular farm, so much so they loved (demanded) our attention and hung around us. They really did just fine acclimating themselves. We could let them out of the corral and not have any issues. They would munch on whatever they found as long as we were in sight. They didn’t even mind being tethered if they were together, which didn’t work out too well. But that is another story.

So the day we go to get our Starbuck, it is a 4 hour one way trip up north. And then another 4 hour trip home after we pick him up taking only one pit stop, for him not for us. Have you seen a goat at a rest area? Most people haven’t and oh the curious looks we got. Now he was from a fairly large goat herd and not too socialized. And to be stripped from the herd was a bit traumatic of course. But I knew once we got him home he’d be just fine, since we had 4 other goats just waiting for him to join them and they were Does. What buck could possibly be confused about those possibilities.

We arrive home and not wanting to force this little guy into the corral right away I thought we would be so nice and just let him walk out of the crate, mosey around and explore the homestead a bit on his own. Hindsight is always 20/20, and this was probably the stupidest idea I have ever had. The first thing on his mind was joining “his” herd and it was not on our homestead. To get a good picture of the drama that soon transpired you have to understand where our homestead is located. It is in a rural area but we are also part of a lake neighborhood. Our home is in the lake association but our farm is on the acreage behind it and many of the other homes, thusly the name, Lakeside Country Farm.

So we open the door to the crate, out of compassion, to let this poor distressed animal acclimate himself slowly and what does he do, he immediately jumps out of the crate and begins running around like some crazy mad dog. My first concern was the road, forget what the neighbors think, I am not having a goat-car accident on our first day! And the two of us were unable to catch him. Didn’t realize kids could run so fast and maneuver so well. And now we are not just running on the homestead but he’s taken off across the back yards and we are doing a lousy job of corralling him. The neighbors if they were looking would have had some hilarious entertainment. Two adults, not young adults either, chasing this little goat and it is outsmarting us. Every time we think we had him corralled from either side he would manage to slip by one of us. The thought kept running through my mind he had to be getting tired but he was in panic mode and looking for the herd. All instincts were on red alert and tiring was not an option for him.

Finally after 45 mins of constant chasing he makes a fatal mistake. We are able to corner him into a small cubby at the neighbor’s garage. There was only one way in and the same way out and we both had it blocked. He was caught and we were exhausted. And he was bleating so loud the neighbors heard it inside their home and came out to see what all the commotion was about. Sigh! Trying to explain with a bleating, squirming goat was not easy. But they chuckled and left us to our humiliation.

So lesson learned. Place all new kids in corral first to acclimate. Once they feel part of the herd we can then train them to stay on the farm as they roam freely to browse. It was not funny then. We were scared to death and exhausted. But we laugh now and think, oh my what a sight we must have been, an absolute real circus for sure.

Looking forward to Spring when all activity gears up again and more time can be spent outdoors with all of our animals, new and old alike.

The Greenhorn Homesteader

What is Homesteading...Really?

2010-06-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

Homesteading…what does it mean? The dictionary defines a homestead as the home and adjoining land occupied by a family.

To us it means a place where our family can call home, a place where we live in harmony with nature, providing for ourselves and the animals that depend upon us. Blessing all that sustains us, while we attempt to live as self-sufficiently as we know how.

But is it even more than that? Does it represent something else as well? For me when I am out with the animals or working in the gardens, it is a time to reflect and moments of stillness just sweep over me. Does it become another form of meditation? As I stroke the neck of my Nubian Buck with intention to convey the love I have for him he stands on the fence laying his head on my shoulder. Is he reciprocating that love? Does he really understand? I believe so and a connection is felt. Then one of the does or kids jump up and the wonderful moment is broken while the rest of the herd demands attention as well. And mayhem breaks lose as each one attempts to get their share. And I laugh.

And then you take on the one chicken in your flock that refuses to go into the hen house at night. You chase her around and around, and in exasperation you threaten her that she is going to become dinner and she runs in. She is so bad we have nicknamed her Ginger, from the movie Chicken Run. Even the grandkids call her Ginger as she can be such a pain. But we talk to the hens and pet them. Yes you can pet chickens. And when I clap my hands and call the ladies to come, they come running and follow me to wherever. My husband tells me it is a hilarious scene to watch. But yet, there is a trust that I am taking them somewhere they want to go, that it is safe and of course there is always a special treat when we get there.

These are the moments that call to me on the homestead and is what I define as homesteading. Yes there are always the chores to do and the shelters to clean. But that is not what makes up homesteading.

Spring is always a blur of activity, cleaning, birthings, building, planting and all that goes to maintaining a homestead/hobby farm. But it is only work if you want to be somewhere else, and I can’t think of anywhere I would rather be. After a long day on the homestead we are weary to the bone, but do we sleep! And we are in better shape now without the expense of a gym membership.

To us homesteading is not about a place but it is about a way of life, living intentionally and with purpose. I do not believe it is the where, how much land, how many animals, how large the garden is. But more about living intentionally and at peace.

The Greenhorn Homesteader

You Know it's Spring When...

2010-03-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

You know Spring is in the air on the Homestead when…

…mud is beginning to form every where.

…it takes two days to remove the lasagna layers of bedding from the stales.

…the does are getting heavy with kids and kits and finding it much harder to move around.

…you check livestock vaccinations & realize it is that time of year again.

…and of course a new snow storm passes through –getting its last winter blow in.

…and the hobby farm becomes more farm than hobby.

And the most important symbol of Spring…when the first mating pair of robins is spotted on the homestead.

Soon the air will loose its nip, tiny buds will begin to form on the fruit trees and the crocuses will burst forth though the last fallen snow with persistence. And we all are reminded that the cycle continues.

From winters dark bleak days will burst forth new life and new growth. The days are lengthening; the sun is chasing the gray clouds from the sky and soon new life will be transforming the homestead into a blur of activity.

The rest of winter will soon be ore’ and the hustle of spring sprung upon us. Oh what joy awaits us on the Homestead. But even then with weary bones & aching muscles, you know you are exactly where you want to be-Homesteading.

The Greenhorn Homesteader

Heartbreak on the Homestead

2010-02-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

Just when you think you are ready to let go you find out that you are not and there is heartbreak on the homestead.

I had a totally different post which I was going to share with you. But today I really need to share from my heart, for me. Sometimes homesteading can be very difficult financially, time and work intensive and emotionally exhausting. Today is one of those very emotional days.

We had made the “Wise” homesteading financial decision to sell two of our main goats. They were part of the original trio that started the goat herd. So this decision was not made half heartedly, but with much thought, consideration and anguish. We had quickly found out that milking one goat like our dear Sylvia’ gave us more milk than we could drink. And I haven’t quite got the cheese making process conquered yet. So we had lots of milk at over a half gallon a day milking her only once a day.

So, back to my emotional breakdown today. Today the two goats were sold. I was away at the time, and as soon as I heard the bittersweet news that they had a new home, my heart broke. It was as though a part of my very soul was ripped away from me. If I had been where I could have, I would have just broken down in tears. And I am barely hanging on now. We hear about buyer remorse, well how about seller remorse?

I know in my head we made the sound logical decision based on our homesteading goals and direction, but my heart says I sold part of the family! Goats have a devious way of working themselves into your very heart and the fabric of you family.

Just the other day with treats in my pockets I entered the goat coral. And all five of those silly marvelous goats were jumping on me begging for their treats, as well as bestowing many kisses on my cheeks and chin. So picture this, lil’ 5’ 3’’ me totally surrounded by 5 goats, two of which when standing on their hindquarters are much taller than I. Quite the scene isn’t it? And standing there with my self braced against the wall I laughed so hard I cried. It had to be a sight to behold. But to think they simply were delighted to see me. Yes the treats help. But even without treats those girls come to me and basically knock me over just for attention. I guess only goat people really know how much a goat can love.

What even makes it harder is that one of the does was exceptional. One of the prettiest goats I’ve seen and so even tempered. She was so mild and as well behaved as goats go. She was even a wonderful playmate for my small grandchildren. So why sell her? Because on the homestead pets are a luxury and she was a very large hay burning luxury. Everyone has a purpose and other than as a pet she had none. If there was money to burn she would have never left. So my heart breaks as I say a silent farewell to a dear friend and family member. And the tears come as I agonize over the finality of our decision.

I feel like a Judas and I have betrayed my very loyal friends. What is it like for you there? Are you confused and lonely? In this strange place, with strange sounds and strange smells, will you settle in and be able to sleep tonight? Is anyone loving you and helping you adjust to your new home? Are you being loved? Are you safe?

So a mournful and regrettable goodbye I say to you Elsie’ and Fawne’, may your new home be as warm, as loving, as caring and as comfortable as you have come to know here. May your new family appreciate your loving and playful nature as much as I have. And know that you are missed so very much and it hasn’t even been a day. The goat corral will never be the same without you there. I miss you!

The Greenhorn Homesteader

2010-01-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

The rush of the holidays is over. Whew! Homesteading keeps you busy, with all of the animals to care for. The feeding, milking , collecting eggs and simply being aware of what is going on in the goat coral, the Rabbitry and the hen house everyday. Then throw in decorating inside and out, gift shopping and wrapping, parties and family gatherings and life becomes a whirlwind. Don't get me wrong, Christmas is my favorite holiday but to stay ahead of the game a few things, like this blog, get put on the back burner.

I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends and that this New Year will be bring blessings beyond your wildest dreams.

The Homestead is never stagnant; change is the name of the game. At this time we need to reduce our goat milking herd. Being new to that part of homesteading we found out that we don’t need several gallons of milk a day to supply our needs. So we have two lovely does for sale. A lovely tan doe, Fawne is bred and our gorgeous black and silver, Elsie may or may not be bred at this time. If you are interested in either of these lovely animals just email us and we can talk specifics.

The Angora rabbits have decided to molt in the dead of winter, go figure. What fun…not, but the wool is incredible. I’ll be spinning for days. We will be breeding three French Angora does this spring along with the Silver Fox rabbits. I just love the kits…what excitement they bring. If you are interested, just email us.

Oh spring, where art thou? Spring will bring upon so much for us here on the Homestead, new kits and kids and planting. There is nothing so wonderful to watch those kids being born and holding them and giving them their first bottle, watching them first wobble on their new found legs and then to jump around in pure joy. And top that off with peering into a nest box and seeing a litter of kits, all pink and warm with full bellies. Then watching everyone grow and develop into the lovely animals we love so much.

Oh to be able to dig into the dirt again, planting the seeds for the summer garden. The anticipation of fresh greens and vegetables simply makes my mouth water. To see the leaves in the trees, the spring blossoms and the perennial flower gardens unfurl. Oh, I am so anxious for spring…and yet there are three months of winter still to endure.

We must remind ourselves that this is the time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of last summer and to rest for the coming spring. It is the time to plan the new garden, the new buildings and what wonderful livestock we want to add to the homestead. Will it be a new breed of chicken? Will I finally be able to start my Angora goat herd this year? A new henhouse is on the horizon for sure and the goat coral for our most fantastic Nubian buck, time he was on his own and away from all the females that will be ready to kid this spring. Will this be the year we actually are able to fence off the back forty? We can dream and plan now. That is the natural rhythm of life. This is the time of renewal, planning and anticipation. What more can you do when the temp outside is in single digits and the livestock is cared for? So I’m off to plan.

The Greenhorn Homesteader

A Dozen Eggs????

2009-10-23T08:04:00.001-07:00

What does one do with a dozen eggs a day? I’ve waited 5 months for those sweet cute little chicks I purchased in May to start laying. And now they are, at least 12 of them. So now what to do when all 26 start to lay. Does anyone want some farm fresh eggs out there???

The old adage is be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. Well I have eggs for sure. How many ways can one actually fix an egg? That will be my next research project.

What is amazing is that these stupid animals, and chickens really are, just start laying and know that the nest box I made for them is where they are suppose to lay their eggs. And they share their nest that amazes me that they will allow another hen to lay their egg right along with theirs.

The other day it was pretty funny. Two hens were trying to lay in the same nest box. Mind you there were three empty ones right next to this one. But they wanted the same one, sounds like kids doesn’t it.

Well it is time to head out to the hen house and find more eggs. Again, what does one do with a dozen eggs a day?

The Greenhorn Homesteader

Silver Fox Litter Arrives

2009-10-10T10:17:00.001-07:00

Well another litter of Silver fox rabbits were born this week on the Homestead. That makes three new litters again. Silver fox rabbits are such awesome rabbits. They are Great Moms who know what to do and how to take care of their kits. Most people think that nature just knows what to do, but that is not necessarily true. And even over breeding in-line breeding can ruin a good breed. We have had does that just don’t have a clue or worse yet cannibalize their young. Sad to say those does don’t last long on the homestead.

But it is such fun to watch the kits grow. Before you know it their eyes open up and they start jumping all around. Jumping in and out of their nest box and bothering Mom unmercifully. They are just this handful of fur and so soft.

Anne is growing up so fast. She still likes to jump around a bit but she is acting more and more the grown up Goat! Hopefully Starbuck, our pride and joy, will be doing his job and we can expect kids in the spring. That will be so much fun to have kids jumping around and blatting continually. LOL.

Hope to be able to figure out how to get some pictures uploaded here to share with you. But as it is on the homestead, it is time to do chores, let the Hens run around before the sun sets and take care of the bugs! I think we have to work on the milking parlor as well. Hoping that is completed before the first snow flies here. We sure are cutting that project close this year.

Winter…I am so not ready for it, didn’t seem like we even had summer. Well off to the barns I go.

Hens are Laying

2009-10-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! We've doubled our egg production. We now are getting 4 eggs a day. With 26 hens eating like porkers it probably makes it around $20 dozen. Good financial sense to me the accountant/homesteader in the family. Can't bring myself to calculate what these eggs actually cost. I know I will cry. Now just to get the rest of the 22 hens to lay!!! And maybe using those nice nest boxes we made might be a bounce to use instead of hiding them. At least it would be convenient for the homesteader...ME!

I really think they are holding out on me. Come on...26 hens and 4 eggs a day. I know they aren't 5 months old till the 13th of this month, which by the way I claim "13" as my lucky number. May explain a few things in my life. LOL.

But I am pretty proud of this brood. They are gentle and now are coming up to me with no fear. One today pecked at my boot. Not sure what she thought she was finding. But our Ladies are truly hilarious to watch. Just wish the weather wasn't changing so fast. They love roaming the backyard and they sure have eliminated a lot of nasty insects, one of the benefits of chickens...no pesticides! And I am no fan of most insects or pesticides. A quandary the hens have fixed for me.

Homesteading can mean early morning milkings and feedings, late night chores and more to do than there is day. But there are those times, when I lean on the gate where the hens are perching and I'm stroking them, how do I explain the feeling of peace and at oneness one feels. They peer into your eyes and you look back and you know you are where you want to be.

The Greenhorn Homesteader