....the self absorbed moaning over over the recent hard work of the daily smallholder trudge in winter was completely short lived and I refute all claims of lack of motivation for it! Great news - the new ducks have started laying! At last, some reward from them! What's more, Pongo appears to be getting the hang of being a drake and though he's still an unknown quantity for his stud potency, he is at least behaving in a more 'manly' fashion. Presently we are getting 2 eggs a day, so 2 more are to start. Even more exciting (I could have done the whole egg-citing thing there but just couldn't lower myself) is that their behaviour suggests they might go broody at some time which means when we do arrive in spring my DD will get her wish to let them try to hatch some chicks. I've a feeling this will be a harsh lesson from Mother Nature for her so I plan to get a small incubator at some point. Why they are laying is of course a natural mystery but there is something a little bit unnerving that clearly they assume the slight extensions of light and incredibly mild winter to be signs for spring. Indeed, things are growing a plenty in the garden and the rose is developing buds! The vixens have cubs galore (not so great for the ducks) and there's a distinct rise of decibel from the rafters as the dawn chorus breaks each new day.
Just wanted to update you on that. All else progresses fine though tagging the pigs ears proved more difficult than expected! Squeals and protests galore. Also why is it incredibly difficult to do anything in this 'industry?' My gripe and groan for today is, once again, the lack of plain talking instructions surrounding tag requirements and instructions on how to use the applicators etc. We are not unique here, trying our hand to smallholding and animal care way outside of our comfort and knowledge zones. I'm not doing any training businesses down but for a small smallholder you shouldn't have to fork out for courses on pig keeping and such like. Part of the fun is building a network locally of people able to assist and of learning on the job. But the serious stuff needs a real look at - communication to the newly countrified needs drastic improvements. You live and learn and share the knowledge so remember, as soon as you get piglets/weaners tag them as it's a whole lot easier than doing it at 5 months!
More soon from wet Sussex!
Mx
Weather: pretty wintry today. Grey, wet and only 3 degrees.
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