The day started peacefully enough.
Who would have thought the animals would take advantage of us like this? But...they did. It was a fully-fledged revolt!
Here was the first one--
This is a not-supposed-to-fly turkey in full flight at dawn. I first saw it when it was roosting on the roof of the garage. By the time I had my camera in hand, it had dropped down to the roof of the chicken coop and was in full flight, finding the ground as if it was meant to....fly! It has discovered wings! It is time for another "wing job" that will keep the turkeys here. So, in the next couple of days, we're going to be busy catching turkeys and trimming feathers. MM suggested that we keep track of which wing we are clipping, making sure to clip the same wing on all, so that if they decided to hold hands (wings) they won't be able to take off together...get the picture? Oh, come on!
The next break out artists came with one cow coming into the yard, and the calf getting out of the yard. That's because the ground has dried significantly and we have had zero rain lately. With zero moisture, electric fences become problematic. Translated: they don't work! So, we have a savvy calf and it has found the pears in the yard, along with a fresh supply of green grass. The cow, on the other hand, was looking for entertainment and she, also, was encouraged by the dysfunctional fence.
We need rain...and not just for crops, folks! We need more than a shower...to keep the fences working!
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Elora -- Had to laugh at your animal follies. I have a farmer down the road that has an electric fence to keep his cattle inside and grazing on his land. Ever once in a while I become acquainted up-close with one of his animals as it grazes along my drive sending my dogs into a tizzy. I call the farmer and report this escapee and all is well. All fun and games. -- barbara.
ReplyDeleteWe had an outage of cows at midday. They're always antsy at this time of year,it seems.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the turkeys know that Thanksgiving is imminent! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe don't really mind when our farmer neighbor's cows cross the fence into our pasture. It means a nice long chat over the fence with a very nice man.
Thank you, Elora, for enlightening me about your cows in my previous comment. As always, such interesting information. I'm afraid I showed my bovine ignorance, but I feel a little wiser now! I really do learn so much from your blog---thank you. For example, I never knew that electric fences don't work when it is very dry. Makes perfect sense, of course, but I'd never thought about that.
Barbara!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know some people are forgiving! Not all are!! Thankfully, we sit in the middle of 200 acres so the stock getting out usually means they get out on OUR place! It's so aggravating, though! Every time we turn around another group is testing us!
You, too, Vicki? I love the phrase "outage of cows!" It's also an "outage of patience" on the part of the farmers, here JOTOLR. So, guess what WE are doing today!!
Beth!
Great to hear from you!! Hope I didn't sound "authoritative" on the DB cows! We only learned of the difference when we purchased the DB's. And, yes...good old electric is good when it's good, and very bad when it's not working, lacking a suitable (wet) ground to make that sucker sting! We have a VERY powerful "clicker" and when it's hot, buddy, it's HOT! When it's not...all goes to heck in a handbag! Glad to know you're OK, girl! Stay in touch, please!
Elora
Hi, Elora. Oh goodness, no...you didn't sound authoritative at all! You were as kind, straightforward, and knowledgeable as always. I truly do appreciate learning all the wonderful things I do on your blog.
ReplyDeleteAnd, by the way, that squash is so lovely. If I lived close to you, you can be sure I'd be happy to share in your bounty. :-)