Range Change

Here on Gael Glen Farm we raise free range kids and farm animals.  Even though we have perimeter fencing around the property lines, a fence around our pond, and some other fencing separating the back paddock into three sections and the front from the back yard, everyone usually has plenty of space to roam and play. 

The huge amount of snow we have received this winter has challenged our ability to free range easily on the property.  There are some snow drifts that are now well over the kids' heads and some fencing that is almost buried under the snow. 

This is a 4 ft fence separating the chicken run from the donkey paddock. 
There is about an inch left until the top of the snow
reaches the top of the fence in some areas.

Even with Ian's snowplowing and my shovelling efforts, we can only do so much to free up some accessible play/walking space for everyone.

Ian is snow blowing paths in the back yard.  We have a big snowblower. 
It is crazy that yesterday's snowfall accumulation almost reached the top of the blower.

The snow in the chicken run is now well over the chickens', ducks' and goats' heads.

The path I keep dug out for the occupants of the chicken coop allows them to, at least, get out of the coop if they want to.  However, with the drifts now almost as tall as Liam, the space I am able to clear for them is getting smaller and smaller.

Interestingly, the snow has both limited and extended the boys' explorations.  Seamus got stuck in the middle of the yard yesterday after venturing to the play structure through a snow drift that was almost up to his shoulders.  It took him a solid 15 minutes to wiggle, roll and crawl his way out.  

At the same time, the boys have discovered that going up is now much more of a possibility than it is in the summer.

It is hard for them to resist climbing trees whose trunks have disappeared leaving their branches at the exact right height to be climbed by energetic munchkins.  "Just because we can climb Mama's sugar maple/apple/walnut/plum trees, doesn't mean we should." has become a constant refrain for me lately.

Even with their ability to get out and about currently compromised by the snow, the ducks of Gael Glen Farm remain particularly optimistic that this winter weather will not last forever.  As evidence: one of our runner ducks laid her first egg of 2019 yesterday!  Our ducks are spring layers, so this is a sure sign that warmer weather is on its way - hopefully sooner rather than later.

Check out the white duck egg in yesterday's egg basket.