Meet Hagrid, the newest addition to the farm!
As I have mentioned in the past on the blog, we have a serious problem with wild dogs in the district. We noticed once we got the goats, we were getting more wild dog activity then we had in a long while which was very concerning. A pack of dogs could easily kill the whole herd in a night if they decided too. Our big dogs Bear and Ronnie do a brilliant job of keeping them away from home but we knew we needed a solution for when the goats have been rotated to the far side of the farm. Which is where Hagrid, the Anatolian shepherd, comes in. Hagrid has been specifically bred to live with and guard livestock and his breed originates from Turkey. Anatolian shepherds are classed as a giant dog, usually weighing between 40-65kgs when grown. Though Hagrid is only a pup at 14weeks old. He is the most beautiful dog and calmer than any puppy I have ever known. He spends his days and nights living with the goats, protecting his flock. He has bonded beautifully to the goats, our dogs and the children. We are really happy with his progress so far and he will continue live with the goats close to the yurt under the watchful eye of Bear and Ronnie until he is mature enough to hold his own.
Our boer goats have settled in beautifully too and are doing an amazing job of clearing the weeds and overgrowth. We have learnt they really like the lantana but don't like the wild tobacco. However, they will trample the wild tobacco when they eat the bark and the wild tobacco eventually dies due to being ring barked. They are a bit fussy and don't like to eat the grass they have trodden on if given the choice, but if we leave them long enough they eventually eat it. They are the funniest creatures!
Our veggies are coming along and we are enjoying Pakchoy and other leafy greens from the garden so far. We have also harvested some self-seeded pumpkins that popped up in the compost, though they are done now as the winter frosts are beginning to hit.
Will has begun taking a more serious interest in cooking which is brilliant, he browses recipes he's interested in and talks to me about the things he wants to cook. He recently cooked us laksa and did a wonderful job. His cooking style, however, resembles utter chaos so that needs a little work. It made my heart swell to see him go out to the garden, pick the greens and herbs he wanted and then come inside and prepare it. Goodness that boy of mine is growing up.
Often progress seems slow here, with two steps forward and one step back. But then I see glimpses of it all coming together. The goats, the beginnings of the gardens, our firsts small harvests. Most importantly I see the children and the magic and wonder that exists within our slightly mad and ramshackle life we are cobbling together here in our little valley.
Much love,
Emma
xx
As I have mentioned in the past on the blog, we have a serious problem with wild dogs in the district. We noticed once we got the goats, we were getting more wild dog activity then we had in a long while which was very concerning. A pack of dogs could easily kill the whole herd in a night if they decided too. Our big dogs Bear and Ronnie do a brilliant job of keeping them away from home but we knew we needed a solution for when the goats have been rotated to the far side of the farm. Which is where Hagrid, the Anatolian shepherd, comes in. Hagrid has been specifically bred to live with and guard livestock and his breed originates from Turkey. Anatolian shepherds are classed as a giant dog, usually weighing between 40-65kgs when grown. Though Hagrid is only a pup at 14weeks old. He is the most beautiful dog and calmer than any puppy I have ever known. He spends his days and nights living with the goats, protecting his flock. He has bonded beautifully to the goats, our dogs and the children. We are really happy with his progress so far and he will continue live with the goats close to the yurt under the watchful eye of Bear and Ronnie until he is mature enough to hold his own.
The goats and their little shelter Grant built for them. Goats are funny creatures that don't like to get wet!
Our veggies are coming along and we are enjoying Pakchoy and other leafy greens from the garden so far. We have also harvested some self-seeded pumpkins that popped up in the compost, though they are done now as the winter frosts are beginning to hit.
Will has begun taking a more serious interest in cooking which is brilliant, he browses recipes he's interested in and talks to me about the things he wants to cook. He recently cooked us laksa and did a wonderful job. His cooking style, however, resembles utter chaos so that needs a little work. It made my heart swell to see him go out to the garden, pick the greens and herbs he wanted and then come inside and prepare it. Goodness that boy of mine is growing up.
I was trying to teach Will a little kitchen organisation here. I don't think the lesson sunk in. Ha!
It was a delicious meal. Anything I don’t need to cook is always a bonus.
Much love,
Emma
xx
