Guinea's are on the loose

When I arrived to the farm this morning I was greeted as usual by all the animals and then I went to check on the three baby goats right away. Philomena was jumping around playing and was more than happy to be fed her warm milk bottle. I then went to check on Ginger she is the French Alpine goat that I helped Pam with while she was giving birth to Gemello and Philomena on Tuesday afternoon. Ginger came right over and spoke to me and then she started to give me kisses it felt as if she was thanking me for the other day it was quite a compliment. Anyways it was time to go and take care of the chickens and quails. The feeding and cleaning was going well and all was under control when I noticed a temporary cage with thirteen guineafowl in it that where being held for a friend of Pam's. The guineafowl where out of water and food so I wanted to take care of them. I opened the front of the cage and the guineafowl all huddled in the corner together as I spoke to them softly I put down their food bowl closed the door and thought I had latched it. I then went to grab their water bottle to fill it and out of the corner of my eye I saw the group of guineafowl rushing out of their temporary cage into the farm all chattering while running around i could not believe it the GUINEA'S ARE ON THE LOOSE. I went and got Pam right away to help she could tell I was upset with myself and a little embarrassed but she came right out and laughed and said do not worry we will get them and reassured me she was not mad and she told me that's life on the farm. Well anyways the comedy show had just begun as Pam and I ran around trying to catch and herd them. The guineafowl all started to fly up to the roof of the bunkhouse as well as into the tree in the middle of the farm. Within moments the whole group was perching either in the tree or the roof of the bunkhouse. Pam decided to let the guineafowl calm down for awhile so she put food in a cage with the door open and went inside to have a cup of coffee she told me they would start to come down as the day went on. I went ahead and finished my work for the day and when i left the guineafowl had come down from the tree and bunkhouse roof and where out in the field next to the barn this was a good sign. So check back soon to find out how the guineafowl saga ends and see what the City Boy on the Farm is doing and learning.

Ginger and her twins being born

Yesterday I decided to go back to the farm to see the baby goats and when I arrived I could not find Pam. After calling out to her I found her in the barn down on the ground in one of the goat pens helping Ginger try to have her first baby this year. Ginger is a beautiful brown French Alpine with a very nice disposition but today she was in trouble because her first baby was stuck and Pam was having trouble getting the baby out. Pam was pulling on the baby and trying to turn it while using lubrication so I went to help and did the only thing I could think of I held Ginger in my arms and talked to her as see cried and tried to push the baby out while Pam was assisting. After about 20 minutes it was clear Ginger's first baby was no longer alive but the situation was serious the baby needed to come out before Ginger and her other baby got in trouble. This is the first time I saw a goat being born and it was not what I had expected but Pam pulled us all together and was able to get the baby girl out but we had lost her. There was not much time to be sad because within a few moments Ginger had another baby Pam reached down and pulled her up to see she was alive it was another girl who now is named Philomena. Pam handed me Philomena and I sat with her and cleaned the after birth off and dried her til she was clean and ready to start her new life. I took Philomena's twin sister and buried her and gave her the name Gemello which means twin in Italian and I will always remember her because she was my first baby and her sacrifice saved her twin sister Philomena and her mother Ginger. There are many more babies on the way so check back soon and see how all the animals and the City Boy on the Farm are doing. The picture is Pam Lunn owner of the Dancing Goat Farm with Philomena minutes after she was born.

Me and Philomena

This is Philomena born February 25 2014 at 3:28pm at the Dancing Goat Farm.

Time for Baby Goats

Well it is the time of year for the goats on the farm to start having their babies. Pam told me that there are going to be about 30 to 35 little goats joining the farm in the next few weeks. Last Sunday night two little angels showed up unannounced from a Momma Goat that they did not even know was pregnant. Pam sent me a text at 11pm and I was so excited I wanted to go right away but decided to wait until my next visit which would be Tuesday morning. When i arrived on Tuesday morning i was greeted by all the chickens with their chatter knowing it was feeding time but i said a quick hello and went right into the barn to see the baby goats. Pam was sitting down with a baby in her lap feeding it with a small water bottle with a nipple. I reached down into the holding pen and picked up the other baby and was greeted with a big kiss and a little cry. I sat down with Pam and she gave me milking instruction and i got to feed my first baby goat in my life i could not have been happier. After a little while i knew it was time to tend to the flock so i handed the precious little one back to Pam and went out into the farm to feed my friends. Check back to see more baby goat pictures and information and see how the City Boy on the Farm is doing.

Two day old baby goat feeding

Wanted to share this photo of one of the new baby goats on the farm being feed.

Moving Day at the Farm

Today was a special day the last several chickens that where being housed in temporary housing where able to move into their new cages. The first set of cages where finished a few weeks ago and yesterday the second set was completed. When i arrived this morning i was very excited to see the cages ready to be occupied by there happy new residents. It took a little patience on my part as well as some quick thinking but i was able to get everyone into their new fancy accommodations. The boys where very well behaved with only a few complaints and a few little nips and the girls all went calmly especially with a little reassuring conversation. I notice that while moving or handling the chickens the others chickens on the farm join in a loud chatter until they know that everyone is alright it is quite amazing. I have learned that the chickens are very sensitive to their surroundings and are quite aware of what is taking place on the farm all the time and they make a great security system. When i was done for the day i could tell that the chickens where very comfortable and happy in their new homes and as i walked to my car i could hear them calling out their thanks to me which really made my day.

 

A Face you cannot Resist

Just wanted to share this photo... a face that you cannot resist just trust me i am always bringing snacks it must be the eyes.

Saturday Morning on the Farm

Today was a gloomy and foggy morning but when i pulled up to the farm to feed the chickens as always they give me a big welcome. There are over 200 chickens and about 100 quails that i feed, water and collect eggs from and it takes a few hours. During this time i can interact with the chickens they enjoy being talked to as well as sang too. When new hay is placed in their cages during cleaning their excitement can be felt and heard throughout the farm. Some days we have vegetables and snacks that are donated to the farm and when they see me preparing their snack the noise level increases until everyone has something to eat. I am very fortunate to have found Pam and the Dancing Goat Farm and look forward to many more adventures that i can share with everyone. So come back soon to check in on the City Boy on the Farm.

Welcome to City Boy on the Farm

Welcome to City Boy on the Farm. My story begins about 6 months ago when i came home to a young lost chicken in my yard. I have had experience with chickens in my past so i was determined to help this young chicken survive, thrive and find his forever home. The task was not as easy as first thought mostly due to the fact that he is a rooster and he was getting more aggressive. Finally when i thought all hope was lost i was introduced to a wonderful person named Pam who is the owner of The Dancing Goat Farm in Oldsmar Florida and she reluctantly excepted my little boy BING with the promise from me to help her with the chickens on the farm. It has been a few months now and BING and I have fit in perfectly. I help take care of over 200 wonderful chickens all of which are used for fresh eggs. The farm also has over 50 goats which are used to produce fresh milk, cheese and soap which are sold at several local markets. I have had so many wonderful experiences with the animals at The Dancing Goat Farm that i want to share these experiences and information with everyone. So make sure to check back often for updates, pictures and to see how the City Boy on the Farm is doing!