April 12, 2004

REPAIRS AND WILDLIFE RETURN WITH WARM WEATHER

Another catch-up day here on the farm. After morning chores and a short break, I spent a couple of hours cleaning up another winter feeding area used by the older heifers. After lunch I repaired the door on the layer hens' winter house and built a new support for the older heifer's grain feeder. The hens are out scratching around in the garden after being cooped up all winter. They seem quite happy. The extra support for the grain feeder will help keep it out of the mud and make it easier for us to feed the heifer.

The last few days of warm weather have brought a lot of wildlife back to the area. Mallard ducks, Canada geese, and turkey vultures have been winging over and around the farm. Justin, my 9-year-old, and I spotted a big beaver gnawing on a sapling by the brook that runs through the farm. And the deer are out in droves. My dad spotted 17 one day last week!

--Jonathan, Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont

Posted by Blogger Chris at April 12, 2004 02:38 PM
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