Who knew organizing the living quarters of our pigs, chickens, dogs, sheep, and goats would be such an exercise in creative thinking. I thought i had it all sorted out. The goats could get in and out under a door placed high enough to give them access but the sheep couldn't get to their grain. The chickens were safe in with the LGDs. We were one big happy family. Then the goats started sneaking up the chicken run and robbing them of their goods. The new dog started chasing the pullets so Ranger had to show her who was the man of the pack by finishing them off without a bite for her. The young gilt who I was told would be safe with the 600lb boar because he would know she was too small to mount, suddenly started flying high into the air from sniffs of male excitement. Oh no! There are constant adjustments that need to me made that I hadn't anticipated. So far I enjoy the challenge, the character of the animals and the work involved. I can see how one would not. Most of the answers to my problems lay in fencing and infrastructure. Sure if you can easily drop 15/20 grand for trailblazing and paddock systems, than no worries. But without that, creativity, learning minor carpentry for DIY projects and weekend work have become my life. Fencing, fencing and more fencing. currently, I need the chickens in the center of my property with the dogs able to surround their paddock but not share the exact same living space. But then i need my perimeter fencing complete so the dogs don't end up causing traffic jams on main roads. Luckily, they have no interest in going towards the street but rather take long hiatuses in the woods at the base of our property. Soon this will be inhabited by people enjoying their brand new homes. So this is where we get crafty, hone some new construction skills and commit our free time to improving the setting. New learning! What fun. Thank god for my MIL! Pictures to come of current creations and added adjustments! I am living for June when I can wake up and spend my days racking my brain on ways to clear land, how to design our paddock system and completing DIY waterers and feeders galore.
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AuthorCatherine Moy Archives
October 2020
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