Springtime on the Farm

 This past year has been plagued with depression. So much so that I told my daughter that I didn't want to raise any baby animals this spring. But in the last few weeks, I've been longing for eggs in the incubator, babies in the brooder, and new life all around. It's the essence of farm life. Each week I have felt the pull just a little stronger and a little stronger. 

The other day at Atwood's farm store we discussed the guineas. We kind of decided we might get a few. We are down to only two and they are definitely interesting birds, to say the least. Yesterday we went into Atwood's to get some supplies for the goats. They had goslings! We sold our geese because they just weren't what we had hoped for with them. We were counseled not to snuggle them, not to befriend them, not to buddy up with them. So we didn't. But as we've raised flocks of birds and read more and learned more, we realized we can have geese that are friendly and loving. So we took our geese to auction and decided we'd try again.... one day. Apparently yesterday was that day. We came home with two white goslings (well, you know, they are fluffy little yellow babies right now) and two that we think might be Toulouse, their down is yellow and brownish grey. They are adorable y'all! I haven't named my Toulouse goose yet, but the white ones are Marshmallow and Ghost. 

We also got four guineas and four bantams. Of the bantams, we only chose feathered footed birds and we're hoping for silkies or cochins. We are super excited. The guineas are all brown. Baby guineas are so, so cute. Even though the grown birds are just, well, interesting. They're a little ugly, they're loud, they're feisty and obnoxious. But they're also funny and make me laugh. And they eat ticks. Lots and lots of ticks. Which makes them a blessing. Not very intelligent, but a blessing. 

We got two bantams that are black and yellow and one that is yellow (white), and one that is a golden color, more orange-ish and golden yellow. In the past when we've gotten black and white babies we've named them for the black and white coloring (Panda and Penguin), but when they were grown they were solid black. We named one Ash, like fireplace ash, and haven't named the other black and yellow/white one yet. The one that is going to be white we named Biscuit and the golden one we named Honey. 

Now. Now it feels like Spring on the Hippie Chick Farm. Last night I found a duck egg in the silkie pen and my silkie named Apricot is setting on it. She's broody as heck. All the time! Silkies are infamous for going broody. I decided to let her keep the duck egg. We'll see if she hatches it. I imagine she will. 

Springtime on the farm has arrived. New life everywhere! 

Look at these little faces! Our goslings!

The bantam and guinea chicks/keets.

Baby Guineas are so cute!

If you are interested in reading other blogger's Slice of Life posts for today, click the orange slice and scroll down to the comments, click on the links! Happy Slicing!