This has most certainly been the winter from HELL. It has taken its toll on the animals, I'm quite sure. Blankets all winter, sometimes double blanketed...trying to keep hay in front of them 24/7. I can't wait until we start warming up, and definitely can't wait until all the mud from the winter thaw is gone, and everything is green. If all winters in WI were like this, I quite surely would not be here. Me, I'd like to retire in Kentucky.... maybe Missouri.... cheaper living there. And winters aren't like they are here.
Two weeks ago (today actually) our chicks and ducklings came from Ideal Hatchery in Texas. They all arrived alive and well. We did lose one after a few days, but she was smaller than the rest, and I assume weak. It was one of the silver laced wyandottes. The ducks are getting HUGE FAST, and two of them are crested, one with a much bigger crest than the other. I did not want crested ducks, but knew there would be a possibility.... and actually, the poofs are growing on me.
Also, two weeks ago this Sunday, I brought home a painted standard donkey named Webster. He's a cutie. Now, I let my donkeys go last fall...and didn't plan on having any more, but this guy lost his friend (his pasture mate died at 30 years of age) and he was alone. Donkeys don't like being alone, in fact, they typically like the company of other donkeys, but since Webster has been with a horse for company, I'm not too concerned about not providing a donkey friend for him. He hasn't been very fond of me, after all, his whole world was turned upside down, he lost his buddy, got ripped out of the home he's known his whole life, got his first trailer ride, and then showed up at a strange place. And I was there for most of it....so I'm quite sure he held me accountable. He is coming around. He plays a little hard to get sometimes, but I do not do night chores without scratching him and wrapping my arms around his neck. So, the fact that he's allowing me to do that says a lot. He's a cute guy...and his bray is nowhere near the ear piercing brays of the minis I had. He will turn out just fine. I can see he's a sweet old soul...who just needs to learn to trust me a little more.
Well, more later.... it's funny this post is about new additions, when I'm considering downsizing.
