Monday, March 9, 2009

What's happening at Locksley Fields?

I have been neglecting the blog for some time, due to not having much "farm time" as I've been away and occupied with other things. I'm graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in May.. The most difficult by far has been the past 7 months, but the emergence of spring has made me optimistic that it's not that far away.. I have some grand farm-related plans for my post-graduation break.. Well actually a little before that.. Day old chicks will arrive in early May! This will be the second time I've raised chicks.. they were lots of fun last time, but ended up covering the garage in white chick dust and flying out of their pen while their building was under construction. They will now have their own little "barn." The order mostly consists of Ameraucanas ("Easter Eggers") and Cuckoo Marans.. The easter eggers have been a favorite of mine because of their green and blue eggs, good laying rate and attractiveness.. Plus they aren't that large.. I've wanted Marans for several years because they lay very dark brown eggs... Unfortunately it's going to be a long wait before these chicks (who won't even be born for another 2 months) will start laying, so in the meantime I'm looking for some older chickens.. Pictured is my last Ameraucana/Easter egger rooster and a couple of my favorite hens.

The best summer news is that in early June, LAMBS are due! It's been 2 years since I had planned lambs that I was able to raise friendly, so I'm excited.. The four ewes that are set to lamb are Pandora, Morgance, Evangeline and Lumina. Expecting lots of spots! Here they are when they were lambs:


























Shearing is April 5th. I would normally shear in March, but with lambing so late, there was no need and I pushed the date back a little due to heavier class workloads in the weeks of late March.
Still 14 sheep on the farm... The rams, Dante and Joaquin, in the post below are still available. May be willing to trade for a nice ram with spot genetics. Hopper is still available too.. I think Kaya's lamb may be available instead of Kaya.. I was planning to keep her in place of her mom, but she's not as friendly.
Last, but never least.. I leave you with a photo of the handsome Mr Jamie...

1 comment:

Allena said...

YAY!
Congrats on graduating and new lambs.

I was just thinking about you, (in the midst of my lamb envy) and wondering if you would have any this year.

I have some chickens, you could have a few if you want to come get some.

We have Delewares (LOVE THEM!) Australorps, americanas and a few odds and ends/mixes. We have surplus so I would be willing to part with a few.

I'm trying to distract myself from the ewe lambing outside in the sheep shelter. ACK! It's killing me. lol.