Relaxed Farming - our farm in your classroom

Most of the animals had another day inside today as the 'possible rain' forecast for our area became a 'definite' with a few showers being quite heavy: so it was time for yet more willow for the goats!! It is important that we keep our dairy and pygmy goats occupied if they have to stay inside for prolonged periods of time, and munching on willow is high on the satisfaction scale!! Goats, along with sheep, cows and other 'ruminants' need to eat on and off most of their waking hours in order to keep their digestive system working.
Ruminants are so called because the food they eat gets softened in the first of their 'four' stomachs (called the Rumen) before they regurgitate it (bring it back up into their mouths) and chew it some more (known as chewing the cud). The rumen contains 'good' bacteria that help to soften the food and it is important that there is a good supply of food to keep this bacteria alive and working. If our goats feel ill and stop eating, it is crucial to get food of some sort inside them to keep the rumen going. A downside of this way of eating (for their human owners) is that goats burp a lot when they bring the food back up into their mouths: the smell is NOT great!!!
Meanwhile, over in the quail house, the high shelves are being much appreciated (can you see the row of quail at the top of the right hand photo?) as much as the bottom levels of straw and branches. The Bobwhites love to fly so the different levels and height are perfect for them.
No more fox visits today thank goodness but an interesting chat with our 'fox' man.... a full update tomorrow!