Relaxed Farming - our farm in your classroom

These photos of Curds and Pepper are hilarious. In the first one we think Curds is asking for a scrap (in goat-speak a good ole' head-butting' session - the equivalent of a human friendly wrestling match). In the second she is definitely asking for a kiss!! What a madam!!! And we are not altogether sure that Pepper is that impressed!!
Dear Pepper has slightly had his 'nose put out of joint' by the arrival of Marmite. Pepper is a castrated male whilst Marmite, as you know, is an 'entire' male - this means Marmite's hormones are much more active and as such he is more 'feisty' or bossy. When the two of them spend time together, Pepper is definitely put in his place and as he was 'top dog' he is probably not feeling that great about this. Mind you we are having another run of wet weather (these photos were actually taken a couple of weeks ago) and as such everything has been inside - for Marmite this means being in his own stall as we cannot let him in the same stall with the others in case he tries to mate with Satin (at just 14 weeks she is way too young).
We have altered relationships amongst the poultry as well, now that all our birds are sharing the barn space at night (see 11th October). Although in theory older birds are usually at the top of the pecking order, this is not always the case. We have moved the older birds INTO a space where the younger birds are already established so that in itself has created some confusion. It will all get sorted and hopefully with just a few pecks and squawks!!
We are definitely moving into 'autumn/winter' routines now with animals spending more time together in less space. Let's hope any problems are few!!! They usually are!!