Pigs Pen Update

OK, no photos this post.  I had to run home in the middle of the day, and by the time I got back it was already turning dark.

But, the guys did get the area where the back fence for the pigs will go, cleared out and ready for this coming weekend.  So we should see huge progress on the fencing by my next post.

In the meantime, we stopped by what is now my favorite store;  Tractor Supply and picked up the materials for the electric fencing and feed.  We had a 10% off coupon for the store, and that saved us some.  The electric fence will be installed along the bottom of the enclosure, to insure they stay in and the coyotes out!  Yes, they've been heard in the distance.  So far, they've not come too near.

We also have a black bear and her cub in the area, recently seen by our neighbor.  Which means there's a papa bear there somewhere!  I'll tell you what, I've been a city girl my whole life.  I think I'm making great strides to "country up", but the addition of all this wildlife is going a bit fast for my taste.  I always keep my eyes on the ground for snakes, especially since Miss Izzy's episode a year ago.  Now I have to keep my ears and eyes open for coyotes and bears too!

That's life in the country I guess..

If I don't post again before the Thanksgiving holiday, please have a blessed day.  Stay safe and thanks for following along.

Humor Me, Another Post About my Chickens!

I have family that is sick and tired of hearing me talk about my chickens.  I 've even been told "I don't want to hear about your damn chickens!"   It's funny/strange how comments like that come from family, but one of the first questions I get asked by my dearest and closest friends is "how are your chickens?"  They understand and appreciate what they mean to us.  They ask to see photos, and take the time to stop by The Compound.

We have over 60 of them now, and do have plans to downsize shortly, as we have a group of roosters taking up too much space and always fighting.  We just need to find the time.  I will likely post about that event too.  It will be a bit dramatic for me, but I'm not the squeamish type, nor will it bother me to serve them for Sunday dinner. 

But that doesn't take away from the sheer joy they bring us each week.  There is nothing better than showing up at The Compound and they're all gathered at the gate waiting to be let out.  Or running me down when it's snack time! 

They're a noisy bunch, but boy do they bring us joy.  So here are some recent photos of The Compound flock.  I know I'll keep posting about these "damn chickens", so you'll just have to humor me!

Say Hello to My Little Friends

OK, couldn't pass on using the Scarface reference for the title of this post.

We caught two 30-35lb wild hogs in our trap recently.  By we, I mean the boys BJ, Donnie and Patrick actually did the heavy lifting.  Both hogs are female, and a bit on the surly side! 

They are finally picking up the fact that yes, those two legged animals will feed me!  At first they had no idea what they were getting, they are so used to foraging and food in a container was a totally new concept.  Feeding them hog feed and table scraps will go a long way in getting rid of the wild or gamey taste wild hogs are known for.  I'll get some new photos this weekend, they are getting  Buddha bellies!

They are being housed in what was our original hog trap, until we can finish building them a roomier abode.

The Moose stopped by our local Tractor Supply store and picked up a watering nipple.  After it was installed, he got their attention, pushed on the lever and had water run out.  That's all it took.  They are already using it.  Hogs are very smart, you think they aren't watching, but they are....  Show them something once or twice, and they'll learn from it.

The guys spent most of this past Saturday clearing out a large section for them.  Some sun, some shade, high and low ground areas. 

 

 

We all believe, that even though they'll end up as food, we are their stewards until that time.  They should be properly cared for.  Plans are to raise them out, butcher one and keep the other to continue with future generations.  Now, we'll need a smoke house!  Any suggestions?  This is just so much fun!

 



Container Update - sealing the outside

We have been busy at The Compound working on the container.  Getting it prepared to be lowered in the ground, or at least as low as we can go due to the water level in this area of central FL.  One of the issues we needed to address was protecting the container itself, especially since it will be buried.  We'd like it to last as long as possible, and adding layers should help.

We are using this roll-on sticky goop, as well as a roof flashing sealer and "rubber in a can" (you read that right, it really does work!) for around each of the bolt holes to keep water out.  All of them expand and contract with heat and cold, and keep water out.  Exactly what we need.

We spent the better part of the day painting two-thirds of the container with it's first coat.  The second coat will likely go on this next weekend.  The remaining third and roof will be done after it's in the hole.  It'll be easier to reach the other areas without hauling a ladder around.

Since we're all getting anxious, and realizing we're pretty close to moving the container into it's final resting place, the Moose and the Boys decided to work on digging out the remaining dirt in the hole.  It's not easy work, that's for sure, but none of them are afraid of picking up a shovel and getting it done!  That's what I love about our group, we all get dirt under our nails!

The walk in cooler is all cut to size and in place.  There are some final connections to be made, and then installation of the refrigeration itself.  It along with the inside of the container will be painted.  It would surely function just as it is, but since it's ours we'd like it to feel a bit more home-like.  Just because The Compound is rough and wild, doesn't mean everything on it, needs to be.

More to come...

I'm Here, Really

I've gotten a phone call or two wondering if we're OK, since I haven't posted in a couple of weeks.  All's well, we're just busy finishing up some projects on the home front.  Nothing important to add yet, but soon regarding the progress on the container.