We’ve had our fair share of challenges with our flock of chickens. Between opossums, raccoons and foxes, we’ve lost more of our original flock of birds than we would have ever expected. It’s a frustrating dilemma to want to provide the birds with as much free-range opportunity as possible, but simultaneously watch the natural order of these animals in action. …
Our New Billy
It’s about to go full goat Bachelor up in here! Crossley Farms acquired this handsome new guy and he’s got one job: make adorable fainting goat babies. For real, get ready for the cuteness. This guy is spending a bit of time in the pole barn pen to make sure he knows his new home and is good and healthy, …
A New Herd for the Farm
Farmer Crossley has been on a mission to bring a whole herd of female goats to the farm. This week, he finally made good on his goal. Some stunning new ladies (possibly a couple that are pregnant!) made their way to the holding pen this week. All new animals on the farm spend a few days in quarantine so we …
Cows in the Goat Grove
“That’s, um, not our cow.” We’ve become pretty accustomed to having guest cows appear on our land. Our back pasture neighbors a herd of Holsteins that are absolutely stunning. Occasionally, one or a few will come over to hang out with us. I don’t think Farmer Kensigner cares for chasing them down much – but we always enjoy the visit from …
New Kids in the Barn
We’ve officially welcomed three new kids to Crossley Farms! Mama Goat has spent several weeks in the pole barn while we eagerly awaited their arrival. Aaron was constantly checking in with our goat farming friends to keep tabs on what stage of the process she might be in. Naturally, every time we thought “it’s time!” – it wasn’t. Randomly, this morning, …
Morning Chores
The morning chores are getting busier and busier. Thankfully, Aaron has been keeping up with the bulk of them while I bake this new baby. Slightly warmer temps have brought us a little more of a chance to snap photos and see the first signs of Spring creeping into the farm. One of our goat mommas – very originally named “Mama …
More New Chicks
Spring is on the way. Naturally, with it, comes Chick Days at all the local farm stores. We are horrible at resisting the call of the cuteness – so, of course, our latest couple of trips into the farm supply required the purchase of a whole new flock. Once again, these sweet little floofs are taking over our garage with loud …
Single-Digit Days
Since last week, we’ve been feeling the wrath of the now single-digit temperatures on the farm. Winter is finally staking its claim to the weather. It certainly feels like our 60-degree January afternoons are gone for good. With such frigid temperatures comes a whole host of farm issues that are, honestly, miserable to figure out. No amount of preparation can …
Back Home on the Range
Last week, our family took a quick little road trip to Estes Park, Colorado. While we were away, my dad took care of our cattle and goats while our house sitter Reagan watched the dogs, cat and chickens. As avid travelers pre-COVID, we never really had to worry about the abundance of animals that we’ve acquired in the past year. …
A Crazy Night for the Chickens
Last night was a pretty wild night in the chicken coop. We were later than usual getting outside to close the gate on the chicken run. By 8 p.m., everyone was in the coop and settled in under their heat lamp. With the gate open, a possum decided to help himself to the rotisserie buffet. Aaron pulled into the driveway …