Dingbat Donkeys

What an odd sight awaited me yesterday morning when I approached the gate for morning feed.
Three dingbat donkeys were napping -- before breakfast!

I'm actually not sure I've ever seen them do that before.  It was odd.

And then we have the episode where I thought little donkey feet were going to step all over me.  No, I was not happy.  Let's not forget they're 300# or so.

I have always thought Gabby to be my beauty girl.  To my eyes, her looks are striking.

 The shape of her face, her coloring, her markings.  I've thought all the donkeys -- Luigi, Francesca, Alice, Sugar, Spice were/are winning in their own way.  But Gabariella is my beauty girl. 

I Am Smitten!

 On July 5, little Pippi joined the wonderful(?) world of our teeny tiny farm.

She was picked up by the Michigan Humane Society, apparently wandering the side of the road.  They estimate her age to be two months and she's such a little thing we're wondering if she's a bantam.  They named her Pippi because she's a pipsqueak.

When I picked her up from MHS the staff person put his hand out, as you would for a parakeet and she climbed on, after which he took his hand to his shoulder and she hopped off.  I tried it too. 

She chatters all the time in a soft voice.  Except when she's provoked by one of the big girls.

She's been with us over a week and she's been kept segregated with the usual screened division in the coop so the big girls (+Sharone) and she can see, smell and talk with each other.  When the big girls went out for free range there was some fresh air visiting.

Last weekend I let her out to free range for an hour each day.

 Oh my, what a grand time she had.  And how hard to get her back in!  It can be difficult to sneak in, grab her and get her back to her side of the coop without having the thundering herd come running to investigate.  And I'm not referring to the donkeys!

Heat Abates But Flies Have Not

 Here in Michigan, the heat wave lingered a long week as it did in the rest of the country.   Although certainly not to the degree as in the west.  As you might guess, the animals suffered more than we did.  Although surprisingly the chickens didn't seem too affected.  Perhaps because we didn't reach mid-90's.  And we do have big windows.  And had fans going constantly.  To assist the chickadees I served up frozen blueberries

and electrolytes.

The donks preferred the barn much of the time with the fan going full blast 24/7.  Not only did that provide a bit of relief from the temps but also a bit of relief from the flies.  And they are brutal.

Don't know if I've mentioned, everything is happening about a month early.  The pasture opened a month early, the flies arrived in force a month early, shedding started a month early.  Gabs has her sexy summer look and usually she isn't this sleek until mid July.,

This girl sums up the state of affairs last week (seen from the kitchen window).

In other news, Clara adjusted to her saddle pad nicely.

I was a bit worried the heat would affect her more than the other girls, but that did not seem to be the case.  So the question is, will those back feathers grow back when they all molt in the fall.

I am puzzled as to why people seem to find Sharone's name so hard to remember.  You'll remember she was Sharona when she arrived last July.  That name was chosen for two reasons -- the character in the TV series "Monk" and the song by The Knack.  I just changed the 'a' to an 'e' when we discovered his true identity.

And JoannieLu is still acting wonky.  Perhaps it's time to try another pain remedy now that the weather is "normal".  There's no way I would have subjected her to the stress of catching her and applying the essential oil during the high temps.

Here's a fun thing we tried with a neighbor/egg customer.  I suggested we barter eggs for homemade strawberry jam.  She agreed so she has been supplied with three dozen eggs while we got a quart of gorgeous jam and some homemade bagels.  What a deal for both of us!

To conclude let's get a short lesson in donkey tail action.  Sometimes when non equine folks meet the donks they think tail wagging is similar to dogs - a sign of friendliness or happiness. 
Au contraire mon frere. 
It can be a warning sign of  displeasure or, this time of year, it's a fly swisher.  And those tails have been going nonstop lately.

 Stay cool my friends.

Heartbreaking Scene With the Donkeys

 Two days ago, a little before 4:30, I heard the donkeys making a very odd sound.  After all these years around the beasts I know the hungry, angry, scared sounds.  But this one was new.  

Then I heard it again.
I went out to investigate.

As I approached the gate I saw the donkeys (not sure if it was two or all three) alternatively shaking and head nudging something.  To my horror I realized it was a fawn.  Earlier in the day Rick had seen mom and baby in the driveway.  

I have never seen the donks behave this way.  They were totally absorbed, focus intense.  
Clearly the baby was dead.
I quickly walked back to the house to get Rick.

When we arrived back at the donkey yard, we saw the same behavior.  Rick approached and I warned him to be careful; would the donkeys be aggressive to us?  He was able to get them to back away and he scooped up the deer.  Rick laid it out in the field behind the pasture so mama could find it.

Clearly they saw the baby as a predator and that instinctive protective behavior kicked in.  But damn!

Yes, I yelled at them.  And yes I know it was pointless.  But it was a purely emotional response.

What we don't understand is how the baby got into the yard.  The only way was over the four foot fence.  I would not have thought such small a fawn could have leapt so high.

Definitely new territory with the three beasts.   

  

Managing Chicken Pain

If I'm not in a hurry, morning breakfast with the chonkeys is one of my favorite times with the critters.
Hens will come trouncing back into the coop telling me they're hungry and then they really attend to their meal with gusto.

And who could not find the slow methodical donkey chewing peaceful.

What I didn't mention last post is JoannieLu's behavior is a bit off.  When the girls gladly fly out into the pasture for free range time, she often hangs out in the barn alone.  Or I'll find her in a corner of the coop.

But she doesn't act lethargic.  She's eating, although won't get in and scrabble for treats as the other girls do.
Lo and behold I was flipping through the recent chicken magazine yesterday during a car ride and  skimmed an article on pain management.

It specifically mentioned signs of pain as isolation and standing in a corner or staying inside during the day where it's safe.  One of the suggested plans of action is to combine a couple of drops of lavender essential oil in a carrier oil and administering to feet and legs.

So that's what we did today.

Other options cited are using clove oil or arnica, both items in my tool box.  

Let's see if we can get JoannieLu feeling better!

DIY Donkey Waterfall

 The donkey water trough.  Debris can float at the top and gather at the bottom. So from time to time we don't fill it every day and allow the water level to lower so it can be dumped, scrubbed and refilled.  Even if the level is low when dumped, a lot of water spills into the yard.  And the chickens like to paddle around in it, drinking from the puddles.  

So much better than their clean waterer.  Of course, when it comes time to fill the trough, one tends to turn on the hose and continue chores in the vicinity.  Time and again we miscalculate.  And our cup runneth over.

At one time I wanted to create a flow of water down the small hill at the side of our house to a small pond.  I guess this donkey waterfall will have to suffice.

Let's turn to Sharone, the rooster, for a moment.  He does not find it necessary to awaken the world at daybreak (there is a god), but when he hears (human) voices approaching for morning chores he begins to sing his song.

I always thank him for his music.  Such a good boy.

Changing subjects, how many of you have seen the quite cute videos of people giving their dogs a spa day.  Often this includes the dog on its back getting paws oiled, massaged, and lotioned.  Our vet was out recently so I asked about this.  His quick response was "don't do it".  You want your dog's paws to be tough so running or walking on rough surfaces isn't painful.  So there you have it.  Don't do your dog a disservice by duplicating the cute videos.

I'm thinking it might be fun to incorporate a "What are you reading/watching" section if readers would participate.  Let's give it a whirl.  I'll start.

I just finished "The West Wing".  Shown on network television 1999-2006.
I loved (almost) every minute.
Created by Aaron Sorkin (he also wrote the first 3-4 seasons) with a wonderful cast (Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, John Spencer), intriguing storylines, and sensational opening and closing musical themes.  Sorkin also created "Newsroom" with Jeff Daniels.  I have watched that one twice and may go for a third time.  I find it that good.
I did find I had to get DVD copies of The West Wing from the library as the streaming service that offered it wanted to charge me a fee in addition to the monthly fee I was paying. No thank you.
I think I would definitely put The West Wing in my top 10 best TV shows.

I'm also watching Northern Exposure (1990-95) on Netflix.  I'd give that a Very Good rating. 
And finally let me throw in The Vicar of Dibley (1994-2000, but only 3 seasons).  British and always made me smile.  The characters were so eccentric but endearing.  I really wanted more after the last episode.

 So let's hear what your thoughts are on an outstanding show, not just good but outstanding.  

* * * * * * Vegan Delights * * * * * *

Like a thick and creamy pudding.  And oh so good.

 

This and That On the Teeny Tiny Farm

What an odd spring.

Donkeys have been out on pasture since the beginning of the month -- unheard of so early.  Usually the grass isn't ready until late May.  The donkeys aren't bothered by the odd timing, they couldn't be happier.

And today I actually turned on the fans for both the donks and the hens.  To be honest, between you and me, when I powered up the little fan in the coop a cloud of dust to rival the dustbowl flew into the new coop.  Don't worry, I timed it so everyone was out in the run.

A couple of days ago as I walked down the driveway to feed breakfast to the donks, I readied my phone for a video to catch the blast of noise from the three girls - I was 10 minutes late and had heard them yelling at me from inside the house.  Of course, Gabby was a tenth as loud as normal, but you can get a taste.

Let me tell you about Gigi girl.  A couple of weeks ago I saw the early signs of lethargy.  So Rick and I sprang into action and started a 3-day worming regime.  Shortly after she was right as rain.  That's Gig in front.

I'm low on chicken wormer so called our dog vet to see if by any chance I could get some from him.  That started a lengthy discussion about different wormers, how they tackle worms, AND, some info on the so-called chicken vet I went to a couple of years ago.  Let's just say I shan't be returning to him.  Which means now I have no chicken vet closer than an hour's drive.

Anyway, I'm missing my Sweet Pea and am hoping Gigi can become my buddy.

Thanks to friend J2, I have had a radio in the coop and go in spurts in turning it on for the girls.  Most often we listen to news and music during morning chores.

Oddly enough I don't get much feedback from them as to station preference..

A couple of posts ago I mentioned the turkey buddies who usually are gobbling in the vicinity when I wake up.  I spoke to a neighbor recently who lives two properties away and she said the turkeys come up to the back of their house and peck on the patio door.  As much as I delight in them, she wasn't nearly as enthused.  But she loves hearing the donkeys!

I know you're here to read about the adorable(?) little chonkeys but I must step up on my soapbox for a brief moment.  My pet peeve for some time has arisen again.  Please please please do not wear your "I'm so busy" status as a badge of honor.  Really doesn't cut it with me.  I'm not impressed.

Now I'll leave you with pathetic little donkey faces peeking out of the barn witnessing the rain.

   
    

It Sucks To Be a Chicken

 One of the books I'm delving into this week.

Let me give you a taste of one of the early pages:

Today, there's never been a worse time to be a chicken. Chickens on industrial farms live their lives in cramped cages or perhaps in cage-free facilities, stuffed together on a dusty floor where at least they can spread their wings.  The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, passed in 1958, requires all animals be "rendered insensible to pain" before being shackled or killed -- all animals except for poultry.

The poultry industry, the dairy industry, the pork industry, the beef industry -- all inhumane.  It's all about the money.  Of course.

At least these seven beauties get to forage in manure and grass -- a taste delight.

As last week's post took a brief look at our inside life, so it goes this week.

Let's take a peek at afternoon naps --

As it happens, morning and evening naps look quite similar.

Turkeys, Orchids, and Eggplant

 Almost every morning, I awaken to the sound of our local flock of turkeys.  I can hear them whether the windows are open or not.  Generally around 6:15 or 6:30 this time of year.  I consider them my morning greeters, although I do not leap out of bed to greet them.  Very occasionally we see them in the back  "yard" wandering through the brush. 

Thankfully most of the time they are outside of the fence, but there's that small percentage of occasions when they've flown inside and we must shoo them out so the dogs can be let out.

Turning briefly to the house interior, my oldest orchid is blooming again!  I don't believe it's ever bloomed two years in a row.  As of today only two blooms have not yet opened.

Don't be fooled into thinking mornings with the donkeys are all excitement and glamour.  On a recent morning when I let them into the compound to wander while I was doing chores, they were as slow as molasses.  Watching this little clip will definitely slow your pulse.

 On the other hand, one can always count on Sharone for a rousing morning greeting.  In fact, usually there are several.

I'm contemplating whether to add two or three hens to the flock.  I've been advised I have a rather small flock for one rooster.  More girls means he doesn't continually pick on the same girls.  No, I haven't conferred with him on this decision. 

*  *  *  *  *  * Vegan Delights *  *  *  *  *  * 

This is a Trader Joe gem.  Before I opened the can I had intended to whip up some rice to accompany it, but I ended up eating the whole thing before the rice came out of the cupboard.  

Scrumptious!

Three Donkeys in a Snowy Spring

 Three days ago spring was abruptly ripped from us and we returned to winter... with a snow dump and moderately cold temps.

Here's what Friday's lunch looked like.

And I've never seen curvy icicles...

Thankfully since Friday 95% of the snow has melted and today we topped out at 58 degrees.  Yippee!

* * * * * *

Passing on a lemon curd recipe for Vitamix blenders.  If you own one and like lemon, this is the best.  I have to stop myself from just eating it out of the dish.  Not vegan because you use eggs, but you can easily sub a vegan butter (I used Earth Balance).

Vitamix Lemon Curd

It's amazingly easy and quick.  

As one cook stated, "Here’s the trick of using the Vitamix– a high speed blender heats the lemon curd ingredients to a safe temperature for eating. You CANNOT use a basic blender to accomplish the same goal. It simply won’t “cook” the eggs to a high enough temperature for safe eating."

I've schmeared it on english muffins, toast, and pound cake.  

Faith Turns 10 (soon)

 Well gang,  I've had an ongoing foot issue so haven't taken many new photos or videos.  When it hurts to walk I don't linger to capture that oh-so-cute moment.  But I can offer you a few snaps of the indoor gang.

Which leads me to an update of Bleu.
Nothing has changed.

I've moved him to the largest shallow bowl I own.  And then put in the "tunnel" from his aquarium so he had somewhere to hide.

  But his behavior hasn't changed significantly.  And often he can't get the food pellet I drop for him, even though I place it as strategically convenient as possible.  But the other day I did see lots of surface bubbles so I know he's coming up for air.

Next week Faith will be turning 10!

with her favorite octopus, often repaired

Here she takes one of her many naps, fully owning the couch

And then there's Phinny, always happy, always ready for a treat, always ready to tear after a squirrel

Have a good week, everyone.

Bleu, The Betta

 Funny things, these blogs.  And I can't entirely figure this puzzlement out.
When one of the animals dies, my readership rises like you wouldn't believe.  Just a bit ago when I spoke of Sweet Pea, reader numbers quadrupled.  It happens each and every time.  So how do readers know?  Clearly my post titles are part of it.  But that means when they see a "boring" post title they skip by?  It just doesn"t completely compute. 

Well, on to the week's events.

As I mentioned last week my betta Bleu is of concern.  He hasn't been acting well for weeks.  Normally he lives in a gallon tank, but I saw he was having trouble coming to the surface to eat and gulp a bit of air.  I was certain he was a goner.  But no.  Naturally I have no idea what I'm doing.  I've talked to the local fish store - he said to change his water by 50% every other day.  Been doing that for over a week but I see no improvement.  I checked out a couple of books from the library and one said to put a bit of uniodized salt in the tank.  So I've been doing that.  It's difficult because I've moved him into a small kitchen bowl so he can reach the waterline so the amount of salt to put in is miniscule.

   I tried moving him into a slightly bigger bowl but he again seemed to have trouble.  Perhaps he injured a fin?

Interestingly, when I picked up the books from the library the circulation person asked if I was getting a fish.  I explained I'd had Bleu for three years but he was sick.  And that I didn't have a lot of knowledge prior to getting him.  She replied, "well, he's just a fish".  Ahhh...  I always find it interesting how people prioritize the value of other living things.

Nothing seems to be helping my boy Bleu but I'll keep on until he either improves or declines further.

On a brighter note, JoannieLu seems to have regained some pep in her step.  Earlier in the winter she'd hang with Sweet Pea by the heater and not rush around with the youngsters.  She is now zipping around with the rest of the gang.  Why you say?  The only change I've made is to be more diligent in adding herbs and spices to their treats.

Joannie on the left

Speaking of the youngsters, make sure you turn on the sound while watching this video.  It's the "thud" I'd like you to hear.

When the girls are rummaging around in the hay aisle, it often sounds like a herd of elephants.

Finally a delicious cake recipe.  Not vegan.  Of course I subbed plant based milk for the cow's milk but I did use eggs.

I thought it was perfect for a light treat.  And yes, I used my quiche pan to bake it in which worked like it was made for it.

Everyday olive Oil Cake

 

Balderdash (!!)

 Dear Readers,

It's happened again.  I am at the computer, ready to bring you wildly exciting updates from the teeny tiny farm and this jezebel won't let me transfer photos from my phone.  Topics intended for tonight's communication -- Bleu the betta fish, JoannieLu's improved behavior and a recipe for some mighty tasty cake.

But it will have to wait.  I'll try again.  Patience is a virtue.

Dem Devilish Donkeys

 Just to set the record straight.  Donkeys can be a pain in the neck.  Allow me to tell you what happened last week.

I've shown you how we wrap baling string from the hay aisle latch to a wooden post to keep the door closed during certain times of the winter.  Apparently the donkeys worked their little noses to the grindstone prying that door loose until they achieved access to the hay aisle.  Were they after hay?  Of course not.  It's what's inside those glorious garbage cans that is the ultimate prize. Chicken feed and Equine Senior.  Both are too delicious for words.  Thankfully they were caught before too much had been consumed.  When Rick and I say "it's always something", we mean it.

And here are the precious angels, taking a sun nap.

 

For this next video, you'll want sound up to catch the first few seconds.  This vocalizing is mild
compared to the earful I get when dishing up their Senior.

The little darlings love to forage in the woods outside of the donkey gate nibbling bark, sometimes leaves.  

And then there are the chickies.

They are quite partial to the sweet fruit food group -- bananas, blueberries.  Apples not so much.
So I was surprised to see how much they enjoy a couple handfuls of the salad starter bags I've been buying.  What makes it a bit curious is they don't enjoy all greens.  The times I've provided baby spinach, they turn away and ask for the "real" treat. 

And, of course, water from the donkey trough is gobs better than their own.  Of course.

The End of an Era

 Yesterday I lost my nine-year old matriarch of the chicken flock, Sweet Pea.  

No one will ever be able to take her place.

She had been feeling her age this winter, and in fact, I wasn't sure she'd survive another winter.  But of course didn't want to consider her death, she'd live forever. 

However, much as I didn't want to admit it I could see her slow decline.  Every evening for the past couple of months she was unable to hop/fly up to the sleeping area and would wait for one of us to pick her up and put her with the rest of the girls.

This is an older photo but there's my girl third from the left.

Last evening I went out to lock up and once inside the coop lifted Sweet Pea up to the shelf.  She flapped her wings as she always did when I set her down.  Then made an odd noise and collapsed.  I thought she had lost her footing so tried to set up upright but in hindsight think she was already dead.  It happened so quickly I just held her thinking she'd revive but no.  She was gone.

Long time readers will remember:

She was always my helper girl while I cleaned up donkey doo.  Always stepping onto the manure fork to help and I'd have to shoo her away.

She knew her name and would come when called.  I'd call to alert her to a new flake of straw just thrown for the girls, for she loved digging in to retrieve the good stuff. 

 I'd call when treats were thrown so she wouldn't miss out.  And in recent years she'd be on the far side of the pasture and would come (maybe after 3 or 4 tries).

She had a distinctive voice; I always knew when she was in the area and would say hi even if she wasn't in view.

Most recently she showed Sharone who was boss, getting in his face, puffing up and flapping her wings.  He bowed to her position in the flock.

She was one of the first three chickens we got in 2015.  Little did I know then how easy it would be to love her.

Scenes From a Teeny Tiny Farm

 Living "in the country" means sometimes things are done a bit basically, down to earth.
But let me back up a step.

This morning I texted the next door neighbor to tell her one of the horses was down and struggling to get up.  She responded almost immediately so I knew the horse would be helped soon.  However, the next text said the mare was going to be euthanized for reasons I won't go into here.  About 2:00 in the afternoon, as I was feeding donks, I saw two big piles of earth in the neighboring pasture and knew what that meant - Suzie the horse was being buried on site. To be honest I'm not sure I would have had the stomach for it, even if we had the right equipment to consider it.  It's pretty heart wrenching, especially with a large animal.  At least that's been my personal experience.  

OK, let's move on.

We've had above freezing temps overnight for the past week which has meant some significant snow melting.  Just take a look at the driveway.

Yea, so what's the big deal about that you ask.
The temps are now just below freezing at night which means some icing.  But with this lovely clear area down the middle of the driveway I have a pretty clear shot all the way up to the chonkeys.  No need for cleats and no need to worry about each step with the fear of slipping.  Huzzah!

With that melting we have a clearer picture of the damage done by the weight of the snow.

You're looking at the poles supporting the netting over the chicken run and no they're not meant to be in a U-shape.  Yup, the netting is partially on the ground so I worry about the hens getting their feet caught, but they're so eager to be walking around  in the no-snow zone I've not shut them out of the area. Rick says it will need to be rebuilt in the spring.  Oh good.

Next, hang on to your hats, it's a tour of the hay aisle..

 And how could we not include a pic of the three princesses.  We had an interior breakfast as there was the smallest bit of snow swirling yesterday morning.

  Princesses indeed...

Chickens Secretly Plan to Unionize?

 When last we spoke I was more than a bit fed up with shoveling paths and eating areas for the donks.  Well, over the past week I've continued to expand eating areas just so they can have a bit of walking around room.  And the ingrates do not appreciate the efforts and poop willy nilly in each of those areas.  So it means cleaning manure each trip before hay can be thrown.  I really wish one of you would speak to them about this.  

I think I also mentioned the donks wanted to venture out of the darn barn to dine.  No sooner was that statement out in the open than they refused to leave the barn.

 Sometimes its not worth trying to figure out their seemingly irrational behavior.

Its also that time of year when the latch on the hay aisle door is useless and we turn to baling twine.

  The snow and ice collects at the door and its impossible to close.  Earlier this past week it wasn't wrapped securely and the donks succeeded in getting the door open and helped themselves to Equine Senior stored in a garbage can (with a lid).  Yup, those noses can do just about anything given enough time.  Fortunately they didn't consume a dangerous quantity or we would have needed emergency medical treatment.

Speaking of medical treatment (on a small scale), last Monday I was worried about Sweet Pea's comb.  I did not wait for the next morning but schlepped back out after dinner and schmeared her comb with an herbal salve from Fresh Eggs Daily.  And gooped her up a couple more times during the week when the temps were plummeting overnight.  This stuff has lemongrass oil, vitamin E oil and rosemary oil.  Her comb color improved markedly after the first application.

Each morning when I open the coop door, out pile the younger crew.  I walk in, turn the corner and there are Sweet Pea and JoannieLu in front of the heater.

 In this photo the heater looks threateningly red.  Please don't gasp and sputter.  The photo is deceiving.  It's not that red nor can they burn themselves.

But there is something afoot with the youngsters.  They seem to be innocently gathering but when I approach all conversation stops.  I'm suspicious and wonder what they're planning...