This Little Piggy...

This little piggy LOVES her daddy's clothes:). 

Who Lives Here?

I love creating intentional and unintentional homes for animals around our farm. Makes me wonder who lives in this cute little house:). 

Spring Time Worming...

Wormed the pigs, sheep, and goats using Ivermectin yesterday... Used Neemex for the pups... Spring is THE time for parasites. I always feel so accomplished when I do a massive worming:). Injected donuts with wormer for the pigs (they LOVED it). 

Animal Sanctuary Build

gofundme.com/pt5wtc

Our Lives Would Never be the Same
Our lives would never be the same.......... We began our journey from the southern coast of Oregon to the southeastern US. ALL of our animals made the trip with us. I looked into animal transport companies, but NONE of the companies GUARANTEED all animals would be delivered alive. I knew my animals and their needs and personalities best, so my husband and I invested in a custom built stock/horse trailer so ALL of our animals (horses, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, barn cat) could make the cross country trip as safely and comfortably as possible. ALL of our animals have names; they are all pets and are dear family members, actually. When an animal crosses onto our property, it gets a collar, a name, and a safe place to live out the rest of it's life.

We weren't sure we would be able to afford to bring everyone. We actually contemplated NOT making the move because we didn't want to leave anyone behind. I promise each of my animals I will take care of it (he/she) to the best of my ability for the rest of its life. My burly looking, but tender hearted husband actually shares the same sentiment:). We spent an exorbitant amout of money getting health certificates for ALL of our animals so we could cross the US legally. Wooooooooooooh! That final bill from the vet almost sent us into a tail-spin. Uggggg..... The vets spent a day and a half chasing and capturing my 2 rescue pigs so they could be vaccinated, ear tagged, and get their blood work done. Half of the many thousand dollar vet bill was spent on 2 pigs I basically rescued....... I knew if I left them, noone else would care to spend the time and money dealing with them, and they would likely end up in someone's freezer. NOT HAPPENING to any of MY babies!!!

We started our trip leaving Oregon in late September, 2013. I love the Pacific North West, I LOVE THE PEOPLE and we have great friends there...... I just couldn't hack the "over" 120 inches of rain we were getting each year. The ground never seemed to dry out and I was dealing with mud-on-top-of-mud with all of the animals we have. The weather was wearing on my soul, and I longed for change and a better environment for my animals where we could get out of the mud. The trip out with the animals took almost 2 weeks. We had to find "horse hotels" and/or fairgrounds where the horses, goats, and sheep could stretch out and rest each night. The poor pigs were confined to my tack room for the entire trip because if I unloaded them, there was no way I would be able to "re-load" them again (they aren't small). My tackroom was TRASHED, to put it nicely:).

I loaded all of the animals up with electrolites each day because I knew they would not consume the amount of water to keep them properly hydrated and I didn't want any serious illnesses or deaths. THANKFULLY, everyone made it and we didn't experience any sickness or lameness issues. To put it mildly, the trip across country was HELL, and I would never want to do anything like it again, but I am glad I did. We travelled with 4 horses (all atleast 1/2 draft horse, and 1 full draft who doesn't tie), 10 goats, 2 sheep, 2 pigs, 1 barn cat, and 7 dogs. OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

So..... That's where our journey begins on our small homestead. We decided to cut expenses, and buy a "tiny" home. We realize what is important to US is our "family," which includes all of our animals. All of the excess "stuff," can be nice, but it comes and goes. "Family" is always there:). Our "family" even includes one expensive dairy goat I will never "rebreed" because her last kidding session almost killed her. Another includes a show quality sheep I will never breed because her last birthing almost killed her....... I reiterate that our animals are pets. We DO use some goats for milk and cheese, but only to the extent that they seem comfortable and healthy:). Is our hobby expensive? HECK YES! But, Hey....... What hobby isn't? It makes us happy, so that's how we focus our lives!!!

We named our little farm Wedderburn Acres. Many of our animals are rescue animals. Our goal is to open a state of the art animal sanctuary where residents can live the rest of their natural lives. That may sound easy, but providing GREAT care involves more than just throwing an animal out to pasture or providing shelter. 

New animals should be quarantined to protect everyone/everything involved. Quarantine areas should be located far enough away from existing living areas to prevent the spread of disease. 

We would like to start with farm and domestic animals and eventually incorporate to wild animals (I would be certified to rehabilitate wild animals). 

Helping us realize our dream to provide loving and enriching forever homes for animals will prevent needless euthanasia, abuse, and neglect of so many deserving animals! 

Thank you!!!

A Gal's Best Friend:)

I have to say... If I had to choose between animals or people... Animals would be my pick the majority of the time. 

Hubby snapped this pic of Shamrock (pit-bull and rottweiler I am guessing) and I sleeping. 

Shamrock is ONE of my "best-est" friends on the entire planet. I love this girl unconditionally, and she returns the sentiment without question!!! 

She made the grueling trip across country with me THREE times (I was responsible for moving the furniture and animals while hubby fenced in pastures). 

All of our pups sleep with us, but Shamrock takes her place, head nestled into mine, each night:). 

I love them all!!! 

Worm Bucket

Finally got fed up paying retail prices for worms... Yes... WORMS!

So... I decided to make my own small worm farm using compost our animals loving poop out daily. We let it "bake"until it is ready and it makes the MOST wonderful potting soil, etc...

Decided to use it for my little vermiculture experiment this time, however:). 

I bought one container of worms and let them wiggle their way down through the rich soil. I also dug up a few and added them to the bucket. I will let them do their thing for 60 days or so, adding things they will eat from time to time, and see what we have at the end of the 60 day period. 

I threw some cut boards over the top to keep interested animals out of my experiment. Plus, it adds some darkness to their new home. 

Keepin' it interesting:).......... Love farm life! 

Prepping for the Winter Weather

As ice and snow flurries storm the east coast, I sit inside where it is warm, and enjoy winter soup and family... 

Thankfully, we prepared for the storm by stocking up on food items, kerosene for the portable heater, gas for the generator, and wrapping faucets, hoses, and lines....

Animal water troughs were filled, heat lamps were activated, and vitamins were distributed. All animals were given extra food and bedding. 

Hoping all people and animals alike are as safe and comfortable as we are. Provided temporary shelter for a "stray" dog today (and food/water) because of the freezing temperatures.... 

Busy, Busy, Busy Summer:).

I haven't been very active on here in a couple of months and really miss it:)... I like writing and sharing life. Summer around the farm keeps everyone busy. From re-seeding pastures, to clearing woods, to painting houses, barns, and other outbuildings, to organic pest control when you can go the organic route...... One of my major "tasks" for the past few months has been combating fire ants. Although I have tried using organic methods to combat these pets, I have been unsuccessful. The only thing that seems to work is chemical eradication, which normally, having other farm animals, I wouldn't go for, but these pesky insects make everyone and everything cringe. In ground bees have been more pesky than usual this year. I do, use an "organic" method for killing those bad-boys, however.... Horses and in ground bees DO NOT mash. But.... Neither do humans and in ground bees. Believe it or not, I have spent at least 2 days a week for the past couple of months fighting those pests... I don't bother bumble bees or honey bees, but HATE, HATE, HATE wasps and yellow jackets with a PASSION! So, of course, farm duties coupled with "general life," makes for a super busy but fulfilling schedule. But..... Not lost, are the days of enjoying "CHICKEN TV," (watching the colorful and very active chickens, guineas, and ducks play), and our goat herd (that includes 2 sheep and a barn cat). The barn cat loves HER HERD, and goes everywhere they go. She is their shadow. Gotta love barn kitty! I will be more active on this blog from now on:). Can't promise HOW active, but certainly MORE active!!! 

Quack Quacks

Our babies playing in their outside yard until they are old enough to free range.

Gotta Love Them Kiddos:)

I just love my goat/sheep herd. Blessing, the goat at the bottom, is such a great milker..... She LOVES tree leaves. Probably her favorite food......... Above..... Roxy and Eduardo enjoy grading. Eduardo is a Herdwick sheep (very rare). Had his balls banded as a baby and wish I wouldn't have now.... The picture above the sheep is what happens when you yell "here Kiddos," around my house, lol......... They are my shadows and I love it:).

Horsin' Around

Ayla's (appy x) first day in a side pull...... Her appy brain kicked in and she tried taking off, not stopping, etc....... UNTIL...... I got after with the quirt and we had a "discussion or two." Fine after that....... Going back to the bit with her. She respects it........ Paisley (in the fly mask) will be wearing a fly mask most of the year b/c of her newly found "pre-cancer" in the 3rd eye lid...... She is now taking a rigorous mix and mash of many vitamins and immune boosters........... Hoping for the best b/c she is the sweetest filly I've ever seen. Chloe, at the bottom, continues to amaze me. I am definantly a percheron fan after having the pleasure to love Chloe. She is super smart, SWEET, and does everything you ask of her.............. Lover buns!!!!

Ayla Swimming

Ayla going out to swim in the wonderfully warm lake:). Fun day!!!

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

Feed Thru Fly Control for Horses

If any of my horse friends are looking for added fly protection, I started giving this to my horses 4 days ago........ Even my picky eater eats it (Chloe). This stuff is ALREADY working........ My kiddos were just getting eaten up even though I spray them daily. This product says it takes 3 weeks to see full effects. If it works any better than it already does, I am going to be one happy crazy horse lady:).