Caring for animals and tractor training

Our small group was led by Olivier today as we roamed around the farm finding ways to improve the lives of the animals.  We started by making a list of things to do and our first trip was to the Mt. Tully feed store to pick up a new watering container for the broiler chickens, wood shavings for the layer chickens and sweet grain for sheep.

Olivier cracking up the Cashier

Entering Mt. Tully Feed Store

When we returned, we cleaned out the broiler chicken coop and installed a fresh layer of shavings and gave them their new waterer.  Sorry no pictures, my hands were... dirty.

Next we forked up the excess hay on the barn floor and took it down to the pigs for bedding.  Sorry, still no photos--I left my camera up by the chickens!


Our next task was to repair the layer hens coop door.

The gangway needs help.

This hinge looks strange.

Brian ponders the situation and has a plan!

Find the correct fasteners.

Apply the impact drill.

Job well done!

Olivier explains the horses' pasture needs.

We next observed the horses in their temporary pasture and decided to bring them back to the barnyard for the weekend.

Justin leading Ruby back to the barnyard.

Our last work for the day wasn't really work.  Our long awaited tractor tutorials delivered by the inimitable Nate.  I have a shot of Justin and of Brian.  And then my camera ran out of batteries, so you'll just have to believe that I got up on the big green tractor, too. 

Brian, backing up.  Watch out!

Justin, listening to Nate's coaching

We were given an overview of the levers, pedals and whatnot.  Then we walked the obstacle course.  Then we jumped up on the tractor for the work.  We won't discuss the points but leave it to say that some of us ran over things and others of us had a smoother time!