Hand Fetish

When I go outside with the goats I always wear my gloves. The only time they see my hands is when I give them treats. The other day the Commander was walking the goats and having Sara practice herding Chip so I thought I would go out and watch. I forgot my gloves and boy did the goats take notice. Addison was next to uncontrollable in her attempts to get treats from me. She was doing all her tricks and showing off. Poor Chip could only beg and nibble at my zipper pockets. Things got so ridiculous that I had to go inside and get my gloves, when I came out again, hands covered, they acted just fine.

Everyone serves a purpose

Patch is snuggled in tight.

Chipper Wars

The Commander and his chipper have been very busy over the past several days. The area behind the new barn and the high ground were all cleared of trees and saplings, leaving several huge piles of brush. The chipper (able to handle 3" wide sticks) has been running endlessly, reducing all the set piles to pulp.

While he was doing that I got the new red barn taped and painted one of the sides. The wood is literally drinking the paint. This is going to take several more days to complete.

New Red Barn

Here is our new goat barn! It is 18 x 12 with a 10 x 12 full height loft. Sky lights on the top. This wonderful building was built for us by "Duluth Shed" in less than 3 days. The barn is all solid wood.


Notice the little goat door and ramp cut into the main door. This is on the South side and will lead out into the goats everyday living area.


Windows on the East side to let the morning sun shine in. A high door was included so we could load hay directly into the loft.


Dutch doors on the West side. The inside floor is treated planks normally used for building decks, this will allow for plenty of ventilation. We even have electricity. Now all we need to do is paint it red with white trim, add the lattice, and put up the fencing. Addison and Chip will soon be enjoying their new home.

Bye Bye Blue Barn

It has been a busy weekend here. The blue barn had to go, but first we salvaged the aluminum roof tiles for future sheep shelters. After the roof was removed the barn was knocked down via truck and sledgehammer. The remains were hauled into a 30 yard dumpster, I thought the dumpster was huge but it just managed to contain the rubble.

After the barn was removed a few trees were cut down to make room and a mountain of branches, brush, and saplings were accumulated. A chainsaw helped increase the firewood supply for next year, then the new chipper went to work. Over two days the mountain was reduced to around 10 wheelbarrow loads of mulch. The mulch was placed around the garden fence and in various flower boxes.

Finally, all that remained was the railroad tie flooring. The floor was pried up and carried off to the side for the goats to use as toys.


The cleared plot, ready for the goat barn that will be built this week.


I'm sure we can make some good goat exercise equipment out of these.


It appears that Spring may finally be here.

Chip

Chip joined us last week and Addison is so happy. No longer is she lonely or bleating for company. Chip arrived a little chubby and hasn't lost any weight as of yet.


When you see him from the front he looks like a mini-llama, and he runs with both front feet kicking forward at the same time. We are leash training Chip and Addison because there still are not any fences.

Shed Cleaning

I cleaned out the woodshed today because I wanted the place to be clean for Chip's arrival tomorrow. Addison was more than happy to help. I was pleased to find that the wood chips and straw had done an excellent job of absorbing any "fluids" that found their way to the floor. I spread fresh layer of wood chips, baking soda, DE, and then straw - the place smells great.


Addison appears to love the wheelbarrow, who knew?