Monday 27 January 2014

Boxing birds

We spent yesterday cleaning out and replacing the bird boxes. We had 100% occupancy in the three boxes we have around the Croft, so I'm putting up more. Bird boxes are so simple - but they are a productive part of being a natural scientist.


Moving home
Second hand home - one lady owner
These did not hatch

Monday 20 January 2014

A dancing lamb - hypoxia?

The second of our twins, Hinge, staggers around a bit.




Pep says this is probably due to hypoxia - a lack of oxygen - during the birth process. There are a number of possible causes (see for example http://www.sheepvet.com.au/sheepvet/page3.htm); none of the rest of the flock is affected, and he seems OK, so far; he feeds normally. We're keeping him and his mum in the field while we review his progress.

Friday 17 January 2014

Twins!

Benbecula, the sheep whose life we saved in 2011, when she was a few months old (see http://croftingcatalunya.blogspot.com.es/2011/04/she-lived.htmlgave birth yesterday...to our first set of twins.

Hinge and Bracket were helped into the world by the Crofters (I was away). Pep the Wonder-Vet came to help too. Hinge, the male, is a bit staggery - Pep thinks he may have lacked oxygen at birth (Dystocia injury) - but so far he is fine, and is managing to feed. Bracket, the dark-legged female is already the boss.


Hang on, it`s my turn

Wednesday 1 January 2014

We spent yesterday fencing with a donkey. Foiled him.

Arran Grazing Hazel

The posts are from Desperfo, in Sant Marti Sapresa. They are chestnut (Castanea sativa) and are sharp and strong.

They have a big pencil sharpener