Monday, October 4, 2010

Verde Welcomes New Farm Friends

A cool, gray Sunday started with a drive to the southeastern part of the state with my nephews, Cooper and Jackson. It was an exciting day for all of us because we knew we would be coming home with our two new Shetland ram lambs from Nancy at Buff Country Back Yard Chickens. Fortunately, transport worked out well and we were able to pick them up a short two and a half hours from home. What started as an inquiry to Nancy about her beautiful Mille Fleur Calico Cochin chickens evolved into the purchase of a rooster and two hens, as well as the two new lambs.













When we got to the meeting spot and saw the precious lambs for the first time, the boys were smiling from ear to ear. The rams, named Burdock and Rain Man, are small with beautiful coloring. Burdock, a dark brown/black, and Rain a tan, were so soft, we couldn't stop petting them. We moved  them to our truck and put them in temporary crates stocked with hay we brought from home. They settled into the crates well and immediately started eating. They were happy with the hay and managed to eat almost all of it by the time we arrived back at the farm.

Burdock and Rain (Pictures from Buff Country Back Yard Chickens)
We put the trio of chickens in the cab of the truck with us. The boys were tickled to death to have the chickens up front. They fed them some Chex Mix as a treat and the trio were pleased. I mean, they seemed pleased, cooing and looking up at us lovingly, as if to say, more please.

When we got back home, the good hubs and my oldest nephew, Perry, had been preparing the stall for the new arrivals. They cleaned it up nicely and spread a thick coat of bedding so perfect you hated to walk in it. Everything was in order for our new farm friends.


The lambs quickly came out of the crates to examine their new digs. They went straight to their fresh water and more hay. We knew the chickens needed to stay on their own for a few days so we put them in a nice big crate with some corn and a water. They were ready to stretch their legs out a bit and we were able to finally get a good look at them. They are beautiful. I like to say they have "fancy feet" because their feathers stick out all around them. The nephews named the chickens,  Jet for the roo and Dotty and Lola for the hens. We thought the names were perfect.



As the evening settles in, our new arrivals are bedded down in their places and getting ready for their first night at Verde Farm. One of the best things about farm life is sharing the experiences with family and today was one of those great days.

Perry-10










Cooper-7
Jackson-9







34 comments:

Beth said...

Oh yay! I'm glad you got some chickens. Everyone needs chickens! The lamps are beautiful too! I don't have any of those yet, so i'm a little jealous. ;)

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

What a fun trip it must have been! After Saturday's fair, I'm ready for some new critters myself!

Flat Creek Farm said...

What a perfect day!! My sister has at least one Shetland.. I want her to take a look at this too. Those horns always intimidate me! :D Your chickens are so very pretty also. There are so many beautiful breeds out there, it just makes my head spin. Come Spring, I will have to use some self-control where chickens are concerned.. lol! Thanks for sharing your newest family members. -Tammy

Farm Girl said...

How nice, what are you going to do with the sheep? Do you spin? Their wool looks like very nice wool.
So nice you had helpers.

Maureen said...

It sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day. I'm sure the kids will remember it forever.

Unknown said...

What a handsome addition to your farm! Looks like the boys had fun, I know I would! : )

~Andrea~

Joe said...

Looks like some nice additions to your farm.

Mom L said...

What a great day!! I've been following both of Nancy's blogs, so I was already familiar with the ram lambs and the gorgeous chickens...I'm so glad you now have some of them.

Nancy in Iowa

Unknown said...

Your new arrivals look great! I bet your nephews love helping you!

xo,

annie

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

What a happy day for everyone (animals) included. I would love a farm. We went to the Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts (oldest agricultural fair in America. ) The cattle, sheep,goats chickens,bunnies were gorgeous. I hope to post later on it.Enjoy all your wonderful animals. Your so lucky.

Angela said...

How exciting! The sheep are so cute looking and I just love how pretty the chickens are! I'm sure the boys loved every minute of that. How great it is that you can share your farm with them! They will remember that the rest of their lives. When I was growing up my uncle had a farm that we would go to when I was a kid. He didn't live there but he had a renter that was a old man who had a horse and buggy. I remember him riding us around in that buggy on the farm. When I got married I didn't want to live in the city. I wanted a lot of land and that is what we have but no critters except 2 dogs and the wild ones that pass through. One day maybe.

Have a Great Day!
Angela

John Going Gently said...

your sheep are lovely....unfortunately mine are not coming.....( paperwork not completed!!!)

Michelle said...

What wonderful additions! I would love to have some sheep. Do tell what you will do with them.

Pams Fiber from Dream Come True Farm said...

I see! Shetlands, how nice. You will have beautiful fiber. I bet you can't wait. I dare your minis. I have never seen any cuter then your little herd. Best of luck. Any help I can give to get you spinning just drop me a line. I must warn you, you will become a fiber addict though.

Pams Fiber from Dream Come True Farm said...

You must add and bahhhhhhh from Verde Farm as well as oink, cluck and hee haw!!

Nancy K. said...

Oh, I am SO happy that they all made it safe and sound and that you're happy with your new babies! I have to admit, I really miss the boys. ;-)

I'll add a link to your blog on mine. That'll make it easier for me to keep up with 'my' boys...

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Oh Amy what a wonderful day you had bringing home your new 'additions'! Your sheep are beautiful...I love the colors and what a lot of wool. Your new chickens are so cute...I love the 'slippers' and their new names suit them. Looks like the boys had a good time. I'll be watching for more pictures when you get the time. Your little farm family just keeps growing! Have a wonderful Tuesday.
Maura :)

Karen Thomason/Gordon Setter Crossing said...

Nothing is so much fun, as exposing kids to a new and fascinating experience. Especially if animals are involved! Cute Boys (:

Carla said...

Lucky you!! Your two new sheep look like they've settled in perfectly. That bodes well, don't you think?
Will you be getting ewes?
Your new chickens are beautiful. Don't forget to trim their 'boots' when it snows. It's hard to walk and can be painful if they get packed with snow.

Glenda said...

This city girl can only wish to have sheep in her back yard. Love the look on their faces. Do they know their names?!?
~G~

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

What a wonderful post! Loved the photos and LOVED the story. I laughed out loud about the chickens in the front eating chex mix. It truly beats my story of our handsome Mr. Clyde getting his day at the spa. So cute.
Thanks for the laugh.
Staci

Janet, said...

I love your animals, especially the chickens. We had chickens when I was young, I even had a pet chicken, that is until it was given away for Sunday dinner.

Kent Island Red said...

Everybody looks great but I think the chickens are especially beautiful.

Teresa said...

How fun! Love all your new farm friends.

Mary said...

If we didn't live in Florida, I'd run to get sheep like yours. They are just perfect! The chickens are darling as well. I've been meaning to add Cochins to our flock, maybe next spring.
-Mary

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

they are so cute amy! can't wait to meet them!

Jen said...

I would absolutely love to spend a day on your farm!!! I'd think I was in farm heaven... I'm happy with our little farm but I would love to have a huge farm with lots of animals and a big barn!

Rural Rambler said...

Your new arrivals are very lucky to have landed at beautiful Verde Farm! And in beautiful Fall too! I think you have some great helpers there :)

Country Gal said...

OOOOO sooo cute ! I just love farm animals, I just love miniture ponies, hereferds and donkeys ! I love your blog and its set up ! Have a great day !

thecrazysheeplady said...

Just darling! And you'll have nice wool to boot! If you do have any interest in the fiber, I'd pull out the shavings and bed on straw. Not as easy to keep clean, but will pick out of their hair...unlike sawdust. Learned that one the hard way ;-).

Dog Trot Farm said...

Sounds like a perfect day Amy and how nice for you to share it with your nephews. How wonderful to make way for new animals, love the feathered footed babes! There is nothing like farm life.

Janice Grinyer said...

Ohhhh! The wool will be beautiful! Such handsome fellows! (both the boys and the rams :D)

And fresh chicken eggs makes the best baked goods - im envious!

Susanne said...

Wow! Those are adorable sheep! The hens are beautiful too. I really want some wooly sheep. They just look so squeezable. Hope everyone is settling in nicely!

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