Growing Fast

Even though our main kitchen garden is still not planted (hello 5 degrees C tonight!), other things on the farm are certainly growing fast.

The chicks have doubled in size and have been officially moved from inside the garage to the small outdoor coop (with a heat lamp for night time, of course).  Seamus was somewhat helpful in the move, though he got repeatedly distracted wanting to stroke the chicks and reassure them that they would be safe and happy in their new home.  He then twice walked right into the gate latch that was directly at his eye level.  He now has a nice bruise on his forehead.  I chalk it up to him being a clumsy kid with a loving heart.

Inside

Outside

The apples in our orchard are also growing.  The fruit tree blossoms on the farm are abundant, fragrant and full of bees (both honey and bumble).  There is no shortage of bee food around now!

Martha and Mellie are also growing.  It might be partly from all the fresh green grass they have been chowing down on but I am also hoping that their pregnancies are starting to show.  It looks to me (and I have been spending an inordinate amount of time lately out in the barnyard staring at goat butts) that they are starting to develop an udder.  Only time will tell for sure but if all went as planned, I estimate that they will be due to kid in mid-August.

Martha

Mellie

Houdini Hen is also very likely growing from all the good food she forages during her escapes from the chicken run.  All the extra attention (read: me trying to catch her to return her to the coop) has made her very interested in humans.  Here she is coming right up to Alistair (who was strapped to my chest) to peck at his hand.  I am sure he would have loved it but he was asleep.