Retirement, lost babies and the diva donkey

A few of the goats, including some nannies who don't produce milk any more, went on holiday today. Sorry everyone: they have gone on holiday forever. Perhaps 'retired' is a better word. But on a happier, unrelated note we should have some goat sausages arriving soon.

   All joking aside, I really do appreciate how good Sarah and Ian are at ensuring nothing is wasted, making the farm as efficient as possible, and unfortunately that includes using some of the goats for meat when they get a bit older. It also involves nicer aspects, like feeding left over whey and food to the pig, and having compost toilets.

Big Daddy is still in the land of the living. He is still sitting in the corner looking at the wall and we haven't seen him eat, but he drank some water and whey today which could be a good sign. All the other goats sleep on him and we cant decide if it's out of love/solidarity or because they are using him as a pillow.

Today Priddy the dog dug up a mouse nest while I was weeding the veg garden. Obviously I googled what to do with baby mice, because I couldn't find the mama and there were 4 babies in various states of distress: google said to check back later and see if the mother has returned and is feeding them. They way you do this is by looking to see if they have Milk Tummies (literally the cutest thing ever) which means you can see a white patch through their skin where the milk is. When I checked the healthiest looking baby it seemed to have a Milk Tummy, also the nest had been tidied up and the babies put in a little pile together. So I have left them for now and tried to dog-proof the nest. Will maybe check again tomorrow.

Finally, I gave Mr Pickles an apple core and he is now my best friend forever and let me rub his nose. Jordan, I take it all back: donkeys are the most beautiful, majestic creatures in the world. Save the donkeys.

Sorry! I am rubbish at taking photos, but here is a video of Mr Pickles and Stine :)