I can barely explain the excitement that has come to the farm with our truckload of goats. After the incredible adventure to the auction barn over the weekend, we’ve been giddy to see our new animals enjoying their space.
After many warnings – we erred on the side of “that fence isn’t going to work.” Our farm friend Brian warned that the wires are spaced too far. So – while we work to add another wire and a donkey protection companion – the goats are hanging out in the calf pen inside of our pole barn.
They’re honestly thrilled there.
The minute we got them into the barn, they started working away on the straw and hay left behind by the cows. They’ve enjoyed some grain snacks. And, I throw in the occasional bush cuttings and green stuff.
The whole crew is really warming up to us and is usually outside awaiting the daily Good Mornings. They whine. The chickens crow. It sounds like a legit farm out there – ha!
For days – I’ve been geeking out to Aaron about how cool it is that we’re seeing a true ecosystem start to shape up here. I absolutely love the idea of our animals being working animals. We don’t just acquire animals with the intent of feeding ourselves or selling them for profit – the animals are working to improve the land while we’re, well, working.
The bottle calves left behind a bit of a mess in the pole barn. It was tidy – but the pen was loaded with leftover hay, straw and manure after we moved them. While all would break down and give us some great compost for next year’s garden – there’s more that we can do than just sit and wait.
We left the gates open for the chickens to pick through the area for bugs and snacks. They would also leave behind good poop for composting. Bringing in the goats gives us a fast way of breaking down all the dry straw and hay. Not only is it now nourishing them – but their manure goes into that composting process too. By the time they move out – the excess ruffage will dwindle and the soil left behind will be ready to be mixed with our compost pile.
We’ve even put them to work cleaning things like our portable chicken cage. The new baby chicks are about ready to start getting some time outside of the garage – but we need to keep them contained while they explore. Unfortunately, our portable cage had weeds growing through it. We took the entire cage into the goat pen and they went to town on the fresh grass. They had the whole thing clean in just one afternoon!
These cuties are a riot of personality and skittishness. We are so happy to have them and can’t wait to get them another buddy or two!