I have this goat that gave birth to triplets last year, and she had 3 adorable triplets again this year.  Triplets would be very nice if it were any other goat besides PENNY!! First of all, Penny is half Boer, which is a meat breed. That means  she does not have much milk! She is not the friendliest goat either. Needless to say, I have had some ”Triplet Troubles”

Last year Penny had triplets: a buck and two does. The buck was a very strong and handsome boy, but, the two doelings were the tiniest little kids I ever saw!!! For three days they could not even stand! Normally, kids are up and nursing within hours of birth.  We think this delay was due to their tiny size, and also their  super song spindly  legs!! Those were a gift from their Nubian dad.

Continue reading “Triplet TROUBLES!!!!!” →

Spring is definitely on its way- the seedlings are sprouting indoors!

Continue reading “Seedlings!” →

Every prudent poultry farmer has to take the necessary precautions against predators. Perhaps the most lethal of all is the weasel. The rodent is capable of climbing vertical walls and squeezing through the smallest holes. The weasel kills often for pleasure and preys on the largest hen as well as the smallest chick.

Continue reading “The Weasel’s Visit” →

No, here at the Homestead it is not always picture perfect summer, with green grass, and clear blue skies, or the wonderful harvest time of fall- you also have to deal with the snow and ice of winter, and the MUD of young Spring.

Continue reading “The Every Day Life On The Homestead” →

Building nice houses for our pregnant dogs that will keep them warm and comfortable was not easy. First we started be looking for a good design online, but we just could not find one that was warm enough! That is why I thought I might share our plans.

Continue reading “Building Doghouses- For Washington Winters” →

On December 27th we were all looking forward to Strawberry’s visit. Our friends were taking off for a week, during our long Washington winters, and we got to watch their milking Jersey. To Mom and Dad it meant ice cream, for us kids it meat extra milking chores, and all-you-can-drink milk! The dogs didn’t know it, but they would have been drooling over the prospect of “cereal” every morning!

And so, for a week, we enjoyed whipped cream, milk at every meal, and Mom and Dad got creamer in their coffee, and I made 4 gallons of ice cream too! (you have to make hay while the sun shines 🙂 )!

Continue reading “A Cow Comes To Visit” →

I love Pepper and her breed and this is why: The Border Collie is well known as the world’s smartest dog, also a devout and steady companion, and a great farm and family dog as well!

Continue reading “All About Pepper” →

Daisy is a very happy, energetic, intelligent, little beagle who is always ready to PLAY!! 🙂   I chose the beagle breed because they are small, short haired, full of energy, ever-happy, and forever look like PUPPIES!!

Continue reading “Daisy My Beagle” →

One of the farm chores done every other month is a goat pedicure! You may think this sounds gross, but it is rewarding to clean up their hooves and see a nice healthy goat.

The goats certainly enjoy it!

Continue reading “Hoof Trimming” →

You may not of heard of the Targhee breed of sheep, and may be wondering what are it’s  advantages are over a more common breed like the Suffolk, Hampshire, Merino, or any other breed. Here is why we chose the Targhee: Continue reading “Why Targhee Sheep?” →