comings and goings

If readers will recall, the first batch of guineas were named and sponsored.

I'm sad to report that the very first guinea I ever raised has died. She was named "Kiki" by my good friend Betsy. Kiki was very special; and the three boy guineas who followed her around would probably agree.

She was first to hatch, first to buckwheat. First for many things.
It appears she was struck by something, like a vehicle, which caved in her shoulder. She struggled two days but didn't recover.

In an unrelated incident, a Rouen became food. I can't tell you how delicious it is. Ducks are made for confit.

The aviary I started a while back is finished. The ducks and geese enjoy the outdoors all day now, albeit confined. Protected more like. That's an improvement over the smallish coop, at least.

I've been using sawdust for the last year to help keep down the odor in the coop, and to soak up some of the "tailings" of the birds. It works but it compacts a bit too quickly. And when it packs down it gets positively revolting. Recently I responded to an ad on Craigslist: free mulch, plus $40 for your trouble. It took me seven trips, but I got it all. Good stuff too -- 100%, pure oak leaves and chips. Works as well as I had hoped too. I can skip days without worry.

Alpine Learning Series has a webcam now. Contact me for the address.