Because we don’t have enough to do, we decided to get goats. And guinea pigs.
I know you’re probably shaking your head at me, knowing full well we will regret the extra work, etc. etc., but so far the extra animals have been a joy.
The guinea pigs, Harry and Bee, are actually Rylan’s 7th birthday presents.
One of my Facebook friends raises the little critters and thankfully steered us toward them rather than hamsters, which is what Rylan originally requested. He loves his new little piggies and so far they aren’t too large of a burden.
Of course, I am the cage cleaner, grain feeder and waterer. But my kids have taken on the role of petting (and torturing) the small creatures. And we all love listening to their strange whistles and purs of communication.
Masen is the only child who has been bitten and only because the guinea surely felt he needed to “train” our rambunctious and overly enthusiastic 4 year old. He recovered quickly.
Patrick Starr, resident feline, was VERY intrigued by the household’s newest additions. The first night they were here it was evident by all the shavings on the floor OUTSIDE of the cage that Patrick had literally stalked them the entire night, poor things.
Most of the time, the guineas stay in their “houses,” clinging to the back hoping to avoid the inevitable “loving” visit from a short Oehlschlager. To play with Harry and Bee, the kids have to turn the boxes (houses) upside-down and shake to get the little fur balls out. Thankfully, the pigs are hardy!
Our three pygmy goats — Cinnamon, Sugar and Pepper (two males and one female) — are the cutest (and ugliest) things I’ve ever seen!
I love how they jump without any effort on top of stock tanks or the Little Tikes slide set that came with them.
When we pull into the driveway or even walk outside the house, their tiny little goat faces are almost always sticking out of the pen baaing at us.
It’s starting to feel like a “real” farm around here with all the extras joining the madness.
And even better, Matt has decided it’s time I learned to drive Old Red (the tractor).
Please keep in mind I have no idea how to drive a stick shift, and the largest piece of equipment I’ve manned is a lawn mower.
With all the previously mentioned (un)qualifications fully in his knowledge, my husband (the only actual farmer on our farm) decided I needed to back up the tractor and then pull it into our barn.
Another thing I should disclose is that while I am an excellent driver, I am NOT an excellent backer outer. I have only been in a few accidents: #1: Backed into tree in my parents’ driveway. #2: Backed into a car at The Record. #3: Backed into the ex-husband’s (of accident #2) car in The Record parking lot.
So it makes perfect sense to me that the first time I drive a stick AND the first time I drive a tractor would be in the reverse direction — NOT!
But Matt had faith where I had none and I completed the task without any damage to property, people or animals.
Apparently Matt’s goal is for me to become so handy on Old Red I can actually help with the “real” farmer work and feed cows in the winter. When it’s snowing. And cold.
Great.
To check out pictures of all the animals on Oehlschlager Farm, click here! http://wp.me/p2OiND-4s

Categories: Animals on the farm Life on the farm

Ginia

My name is Ginia Oehlschlager and I'm a small-town gal from Missouri. Join me as I document my crazy life on the farm with my husband and four kids. I'm always looking for frugal, simple ways to live the life God set before me. Where faith, family and fun come together on the farm.