Happenings on the Ranch

It’s been a while since I’ve written because there has been so much going on.  Unfortunately, not all of it has been good.

We took a week’s vacation to head to California to visit family over the Christmas holiday.  It was a nice relaxing break.  Anthony did a great job of taking care of all the animals while we were gone.

 Sadly  immediately upon returning we were hearbroken to discover that Megan’s horse, Rosebud, had an intenstinal disorder.  Her body was not absorbing the proper nutrients no matter how much she ate.  We were forced to decide whether to try to extend her life by using some drastic measures and constant monitoring, which may or may not have helped, or to relieve her of her misery.  As sad as the decision was to make, we decided we couldn’t be selfish and keep her around knowing she was weak and so uncomfortable.  Rosie was humanely euthanized on January 3rd.  We will really miss this beautiful girl.

We were also hit by another predatory at the beginning of the year and Devon lost his prized Dominque rooster, Pepper.  The kids are very quickly learning how hard it is to lose an animal you really love.  I have to remind them that the joy we get from caring for these wonderful animals outweighs the sorrow we feel when we lose them.

On the plus side, our girls have started laying eggs again and the juvenile birds have started laying for the first time.  We’ll soon have plenty of farm fresh eggs available locally and it makes me excited that farmers market season is just around the corner.  Also makes me panic a little bit because there is still so much to do to get ready for planting season!

Hope you are all having a wonderful New Year.  Cheers from the farm!