Weeks 9 and 10!

Rain, Rain and more Rain - or really, really hot for a few minutes!!  Last week, we called the vet out (Owen) to check the lambs.  Some of them have swollen neck glands - although it certainly hasn't altered their eating/wellbeing.  Owen took their temperature, and 'bloods' and left us with some antibiotics.   Having consulted his other colleagues, he could only think it must be something they've eaten (thistles?) that may have got stuck in their throats and caused a slight infection.  The glands had swollen up to protect them?   Anyway we kept them in for 5 days in order to administer the AB's.  I'm not keen on needles at the best of times, so it was a steep learning curve to inject them - i had to ask my friend Cindy to come and help for a couple of days - i think she was properly amazed that i was so shaky!! Anyway they've had the 'meds' and still have swollen neck glands - but they look really good in themselves.  We are keeping a close eye - none of the ewes have a problem and only 4 out of 7 have the 'glands'.

Haven't they grown??!

The rest of the week, we had the art students up to paint the portacabins, which Simon and Steve have thoroughly enjoyed - not finished by any means (and may not be if it keeps raining....!) and we had a new student start last Thursday.  We've got beans planted now, and have picked most of the broad beans ready for our 'lunch'.  The strawberries are really suffering from the weather - such a shame as there are loads!
Great excitement on Monday - 'Fiver' (Ella's favourite bantam) laid her first egg in 3 months - bit small, but let's hope it's not her only egg - watch this space!  We had another new student come for a taster session yesterday - and he thoroughly enjoyed his morning, so will be joining us again next week.
No sign of the Quails starting to lay yet - but i gather they like hiding under branches and 'nesting' down, so we need to get them some 'fake' bushes to make their nests.  If they are real, they will eat the bushes!
We are gearing up for our 'Summer Activities Weeks' that start on Tuesday 24 July so if you know any 'school age' children that would enjoy coming to the Care Farm, and joining in, get in touch soon!