Spring is in full swing

With a weekend in the 60's and more coming, it seems spring has finally sprung on the Dalan Farm. We've been fencing (our primary pasture is setup) and getting ready for new animal and plant adventures. I'm still getting a steady stream if inquires about Large Black Hogs and a good number of folks interested in breeding them. That is really cool!

Speaking of animal things...we did have some bad news this weekend. Our two boy ducks had a habit of chasing and biting one of our favorite hens, Shadow. Saturday morning after we let the birds out of the house, the Duck boys were found standing over Shadows still warm, but very dead, body.

I could just spit. I had planned to put these ducks in the freezer because of their behavior months ago. I had put it off for one reason or the other, but now it was too late. Well, Saturday we picked up some new birds (Banty chicks and Turkeys) to sooth wounded child hearts (we now have a Shadow II). We also buried Shadow in the woods and will plant a tree over her. Lots of tears. Even a few from me...I'm not particularly attached to the chickens (unless they are accompanied by rice and green beans), but when my kids hurt, I hurt. In any event, we seemed to find some closure and a few smiles in the end. Even had a good talk about the inevitable (though often dangerous) nature of revenge. My kids are getting smarter than me...fast.

But what about the ducks? Lets just say I combined an anatomy lesson for one of my more adventuresome children with some culinary experimentation. I discovered we all enjoy a well cooked pair of ducks. Waste not, want not.