Hobby Farm life….

You all know that we have a small hobby farm. We have had 60  big chickens, 30 baby chickens, 4 ducks, 2 guinea hens plus my garden. Well this year the foxes, raccoons and skunks have been terrorists so that means this calm mild mannered mama (yeah and if you believe that there’s that bridge I could try and sell you) has to get mean. It’s not a thrill to say the least but something that has to be done. This past week I have taken care of one gray fox, 3 raccoons and a skunk. There is another fox that has to leave (at least one more) and if those damn coons would just stay in the woods they could live too. Skunks, well you seem ‘em, their fair game. I am down to 25 big chickens, 6 babies, 3 ducks and my guineas. When you sell the eggs, eat the chickens you just can’t have that happening. So each night for the past week I’ve been sitting up in the play house with the screen off the window watching, waiting and getting eaten by mosquitoes. Last night daddy and I got the raccoons and I can tell you, you just gotta hold that 12 gauge close to your shoulder or the bruise you get and the pain…well it hurts.

Here’s a picture of my look out. It’s not a bad place to perch as long as you remember the bug spray.

 

The chicken coop is just off to the right of the picture and the foxes come up between the wood shed and the tiller. I’m getting a bit tired of that sitting alone for over an hour with nothing to do but stare out the window. It is a great time to pray though and have a chatter with the Lord. I don’t ask for him to send me the animals or anything, I figure if they show up to have a snack them their fair game. There’s so much other wild life out there they don’t have to come and snatch up my animals. I have a daycare grandma that’s going to give me about 20 new babies this coming week so that will help my numbers, that is if I can get that last fox.

I watered my garden today, it was getting quite crispy and though it rained about 1/4 of an inch this late morning I think now the weeds and plants will grow well again. It is just amazing how fast those weeds grow. Soon it’ll be time to pick some little beets and beans and my cherry tomatoes are just starting to turn yellow. I’m excited and so ready for fresh veggies.

Well soon my weekend will start, daycare until 3:30 and then …… well I’m not sure. Probably a 2-3 mile walk and a visit with my mama and daddy. They are going to Malmo tonight for a good outside Christian music get together, I just might tag along…that is if someone doesn’t have other plans for me. Then to the play house for a meet and greet with the fox and raccoons.

Take care my friends and have the most blessed weekend possible.