A Baby Bonanza and Duck Decisions

We have enjoyed a bit of a baby bonanza these last few weeks: Bubble and Squeak, our two Kune Kune sister pigs, have given birth to a total of 15 piglets. They decided that they wanted to share their litters, so all the piglets take turns on both mums at mealtimes, and as piglets like to suckle every 45 minutes day and night, the mums are delighted to share the burden. Our Pygmy goats have been busy delivering their kids, which have produced a big ‘ahh factor’ for the visitors. Even I would admit that they are very cute! Unfortunately, one of the Mums was immune to her kid’s cute factor, so Kim and Rachael have had to step in as surrogate mothers, and train the little one to drink powdered milk from the bottle. Jack’s first midwifery practice came sooner than he expected: we heard a panic stricken voice come over the radio: “I think Kerry cow’s waters have broken”. When there was no response, another call: “The feet are showing”, then in desperation, the next call came through: “HELP”. By this time, Kerry had pushed her 85lb baby boy out with very little effort, and Jack was looking over it like any proud dad. By the time the rest of the staff arrived, he was rolling his sleeves down explaining that he had managed this one all on his own - easy work, no problem! Not to be left out, the grumpy geese have also produced four little goslings, who are being guarded by a very protective Daddy—as Kim found out the other day! We sell quite a few ducks to people who either like duck eggs, or have a pond that they’d like to stock. Recently, a gentleman and his wife arrived to discuss the purchase of one male duck, as their old duck had been taken by the fox. They wanted to be sure that the duck was going to settle in with its new wife, so we explained how to introduce them, what to feed and what not to feed them, and the sort of housing required. The discussion then went into how to protect them from the fox. After an hour of intense questioning, the couple went off to discuss the proposed purchase with their neighbours, and to our surprise, the following morning the couple returned with their neighbours, and a list of new questions. They requested that we went through all the facts again, and after another hour of debate, they had a vote to decide if they wished to purchase the duck. We were asked to count the votes – all four. I am pleased to say that the vote was unanimously in favour of taking the duck home with them. Currently over 500 school children are visiting the Farm each week. Loaded down with their packed lunches and welly boots, they skip into the farm like newborn lambs, however by the time that they have had their 2½ hour tour, they are on their knees, struggling to carry the now empty lunch boxes back to the coach. It wouldn’t surprise me if half of them are asleep by the time that they reach the A35! Our local animal feed supplier, Fred Norris, has taken early retirement at the age of 95, so Dawn and I thought it would be nice to go out for lunch with him. What a gentleman he is still. I have known him since I was knee high (that’s just a few years ago), and we spent a few hours reminiscing about the good old days when farming was the main occupation in the forest. He really could tell a tale or two about the local farmers, and the antics that they got up to when they were young - things haven’t changed much have they? We wish Fred a very happy retirement - he tells me that he is thinking of breeding rabbits in his spare time……..! There has been a lot of concern over Billy this last month or so, as he spends a lot of his time lying down. He is a great favourite here at the Farm, and is much loved by staff and visitors alike. (And yes, OK, I have a soft spot for him too). We have put a sign on his stable stating that he is getting old, which is true, and this is why he is resting more these days. However, once we removed his new shoes, he galloped out into the field like this year’s foal – he is a bit of a drama queen really…... Finally, These irresistible twosome are our Call duck ducklings that recently hatched. They too, have the ’ahh factor’

SUPER STUDENTS AND PETITE PIGGIES

Our Wednesday’s group of students, who have learning difficulties, were getting all excited because an assessor was coming to the farm to decide if they were gaining anything from working one day a week at the Farm. Bear in mind that when this group first started their training in September, they had not had any contact with animals, and most of them found communicating with other people a stressful challenge. The morning that the assessor arrived, I watched them rushing around the farm to make sure that their well rehearsed display was going to plan: animals being moved, chicken houses cleaned, and a good healthy hen was caught. Then the real thing: this group of students had to demonstrate to the assessor how they could sell a chicken (they didn’t know that the assessor had no knowledge of chickens). As the questions were asked, each student answered the finer facts of poultry keeping confidently, going into great detail about what the chicken should eat, how the house should be cleaned, and more importantly, how to identify different ailments in the chicken. I know that Jo, their tutor, was pleased, but I was chuffed as well because we were able to prove that if you give these students a chance, they can develop so many skills just working alongside the animals. In my opinion every parent should attend a First Aid Course, even if it’s just a one day emergency First aid course. If nothing else, it gives us a little more confidence in dealing with an accident. Like riding a bike it soon comes back to you when required, and our staff who have attended a First Aid Course, run by Steve & Sue Gravells, always come back singing their praises. Who would want a goat as a pet? When our visitors see the young kids, you often hear: “I want one”. We show them Abs - our grown up Anglo Nubian goat, who is the size of a Shetland pony! Now if that doesn’t put them off, we explain that adult goats can quite easily jump a 5’ fence, and devour the neighbours’ prize roses in less than 10 minutes! Or that they will de-bark any tree that you have, and, of course, they are browsers, not grazers; so they will not keep your grass down. After all that said, we do sell many goats throughout the country as ‘land clearers’. And brilliant at it, they are too. Planning is in progress for the New Forest Show. Yes, we have been asked back to run the animal tent once again. We have some new ideas in the making, so we are looking forward to another great show, Good Friday was the busiest day that the farm has experienced in the 30 years that it has been open, with people swarming in all day. By the time the evening came, the staff were on their knees, and I heard the goats muttering: “No more feed please”. Despite the volume of people, everyone seemed to have a good time, and the atmosphere was a really happy one. The whole of the Easter holidays were busy, despite the catchy weather, and everyone seemed to enjoy the fun Easter egg trails that we planned. All ten hidden golden eggs were eventually found each day—I don’t know who was more excited when an egg was found—the adult or the child! Great fun! Finally, I have given in, and purchased a pair of miniature pigs. I have always been a little reluctant to purchase these small pigs, as I have not been convinced that they will stay small. Having visited a breeder in the West Country, and checked out his breeding stock, I viewed two cute piglets. I was still uncertain how small these little girls will stay, but after a lot of bullying from staff and family, I finally gave in and purchased them. Come and see them here at the Farm. Look forward to seeing you soon. Farmer Bryan.