Snake in the Chicken Coup

I hated killing this beautiful black snake today, but it was in the chicken coup, had already killed a duck and was looking for a smaller chicken. I don't usually kill non-poisonous snakes, but if I would have simply tossed this one back in the woods, it would have come back that night and wiped out all of my chickens. A bummer on two counts (the chicken and the snake). This snake did encourage us to "Ft. Knox" our coup, however.........

Swimming

 Took Ayla for a swim in the lake today. She hasn't been swimming in over a year and a half, and never without another horse. She was a little hesitant at first, but eventually got out there and enjoyed swimming in the deeper water. I love my girl!

Avoiding Disaster

Thank god for super well trained horses with bomb-diggety genetic mellowness, lol..... Was riding Ayla back up my driveway today and my other three horses took off running, bucking and farting in the pasture up the fence line. This scared the guinea hens that were pecking away in the pasture..... Three of the guineas darted over the fence line flying over Ayla's head literally less than a foot and a half away. One of the damn guineas landed on Ayla's head between her ears...... She didn't flinch and didn't skip a beat. Could have been an absolute disaster though if it weren't for her training and awesome draft bloodlines.

Bummer

We lost one of our Indian Runner Ducks to a damn black snake today...... Super bummed. Our beautiful Indian Runner Duck was about 2-3 months old now, and was developing beautiful color and feathers. She was the largest of the 2 indian runners, and tried protecting the other ducks/guineas/chickens from the snake. She lost her life. The other sad part is that I had to kill the snake. I don't like to kill non-poisonous snakes, but this snake would have kept coming back for food if I would have simple tossed it out in the woods. Was about a 6 ft long black snake. Double bummer!!!!!!!

Lamancha breeding (hopefully)

Had a chance to try for a free Lamancha breeding. Damn....... Hoping my girl came into heat early so I could get her knocked up early........ If not...... It'll be AI through the buck bank in the fall.

Hobby Farms Magazine

Submitting a picture of your farm critters is a wonderful way to show off your livestock and to enjoy other peoples critters too.......... Simply submit an instagram pic and tag #hflivestock......... www.hobbyfarms.com. I pasted the picture of my goats on the hobby farm cover. They won instagram pic of the month for July/August. Fun:)...........

New Chicks/Ducks/Guineas

This is one of the most healthy bunch of chicks I've ever received. They are almost 2 weeks old now and we have lost NONE. I generally expect to lose a few, but not with this batch. I will be using Ideal Poultry in the future for sure! www.IdealPoultry.com

Pickels

First batch of pickels made from our garden cucumbers:).