Winter has well and truly hit here. It's delightfully cold, windy and raining. The tanks badly need a top up and with the rain settled in like it has, it should fill both of them.
We have been battling a problem with a particularly nasty pack of wild dogs recently which have been coming right up to the yurt, completely unafraid of humans. About two weeks ago a pack of three wild dogs attacked Ronnie just 20m from the yurt. They managed to flip him onto his back and were trying to rip into the lower, soft part of his belly. Apparently, they like to eat the kidneys and the liver then leave the rest behind. Fortunately, we had Bear who fought them off but by the time Grant got the gun out they were long gone. They are nasty, cunning creatures that kill for the sport of it, not just for their next meal. To help us deal with them we have a knowledgable licensed contractor who has come in to trap and shoot them. Ronnie was very sore and swollen with some nasty puncture wounds but fortunately, he is healing well after rest and TLC.
It was interesting listening to the fellow talk about the wild dogs, as coming from South Australia we are more accustomed to fox's which are significantly smaller and generally not a threat to humans.
There has been a local call for a widespread government poisoned baiting program to get on top of the wild dog problem, which is extreme at the moment. But he explained the problem is the wild dogs are so smart that they quickly learn not to eat the baits, which leaves them for native wildlife to consume. When baiting a certain amount of wildlife will always consume the baits, but it is considered to be significantly less then what the wild dogs hunt and kill. Well-meaning amateurs taking pot shots at the dogs is also problematic, as the dogs become educated to the guns and are harder to hunt. A better solution would be a widespread trapping program, though this would be significantly more expensive due to the extra manpower needed, so the government sticks to aerial baiting in national parks. In some states, there is a bounty offered on the skin of a wild dog, but this has recently been drastically decreased, which is a real shame considering how serious the problem is.
Apparently, Maremma guardian dogs are struggling to stand up to the wild dogs which we are concerned about as we are intending to use them to protect goats in the hills along with barb/electric fencing. Hopefully, with continued live trapping which Grant will manage once this particularly nasty pack of wild dogs is dealt with, we will be able to overcome this issue by having several large male Maremmas, close supervision, and good electric fences.
What a learning curve.
The boys have been struggling with coughs and colds already this winter, and there have been quite a few days curled up on the couch, in the warm watching movies. Including today, as Henry is home with a nasty bout of asthma brought on by a mild virus.
I must admit, I'm at a bit of a loss with what to do with myself with Henry starting school this year. It has been nice to have my little buddy home again, even if only for a few days. There is chicken broth simmering on the Aga and his constant conversation keeping me company. I have made some progress on the little 10" Waldorf doll I was making too, so this afternoon I might draft up a dress pattern for her and start that while Henry and I watch movies.
Emma
xx
Henry feeling a little brighter helping me check on the first rise of tonight's bread.
The Aga always has something on top of her or baking inside, and she needs a good clean. Next to it is a temporary sink Grant has set up.
Chicken broth simmering away for chicken soup for dinner tonight.
We have been battling a problem with a particularly nasty pack of wild dogs recently which have been coming right up to the yurt, completely unafraid of humans. About two weeks ago a pack of three wild dogs attacked Ronnie just 20m from the yurt. They managed to flip him onto his back and were trying to rip into the lower, soft part of his belly. Apparently, they like to eat the kidneys and the liver then leave the rest behind. Fortunately, we had Bear who fought them off but by the time Grant got the gun out they were long gone. They are nasty, cunning creatures that kill for the sport of it, not just for their next meal. To help us deal with them we have a knowledgable licensed contractor who has come in to trap and shoot them. Ronnie was very sore and swollen with some nasty puncture wounds but fortunately, he is healing well after rest and TLC.
It was interesting listening to the fellow talk about the wild dogs, as coming from South Australia we are more accustomed to fox's which are significantly smaller and generally not a threat to humans.
Thank goodness for Bear, is already such a loved part of the family, despite his unsavory habit of rolling in manure. (Photo by Will.)
There has been a local call for a widespread government poisoned baiting program to get on top of the wild dog problem, which is extreme at the moment. But he explained the problem is the wild dogs are so smart that they quickly learn not to eat the baits, which leaves them for native wildlife to consume. When baiting a certain amount of wildlife will always consume the baits, but it is considered to be significantly less then what the wild dogs hunt and kill. Well-meaning amateurs taking pot shots at the dogs is also problematic, as the dogs become educated to the guns and are harder to hunt. A better solution would be a widespread trapping program, though this would be significantly more expensive due to the extra manpower needed, so the government sticks to aerial baiting in national parks. In some states, there is a bounty offered on the skin of a wild dog, but this has recently been drastically decreased, which is a real shame considering how serious the problem is.
Apparently, Maremma guardian dogs are struggling to stand up to the wild dogs which we are concerned about as we are intending to use them to protect goats in the hills along with barb/electric fencing. Hopefully, with continued live trapping which Grant will manage once this particularly nasty pack of wild dogs is dealt with, we will be able to overcome this issue by having several large male Maremmas, close supervision, and good electric fences.
What a learning curve.
The boys have been struggling with coughs and colds already this winter, and there have been quite a few days curled up on the couch, in the warm watching movies. Including today, as Henry is home with a nasty bout of asthma brought on by a mild virus.
Even though it's cold and rainy outside the yurt is still bright and warm.
I asked on Instagram what I should name her and someone suggested 'Matilda' and I think it suits her.
Much love,Emma
xx
