Then realised that the run is not where the food is and only the winter door was open, which is only big enough for a chicken.
And the netting that they had broken in through did not allow them to break back out.
So they called for help, and I had to lift the netting for them. They shot out (well Sheila ran straight out, Charlotte said In a Minute and had to check under just one more of the chickens rocks) then they ran back to their own comfortable and spacious pen in the barn for the night.
We all know who the ringleader was. That Charlotte. Sheila would never have hatched such a plan.
Mia is doing much better, thank you. She and Meadow are looking forward to some summer grass. So am I. However we have more cold and more snow in the forecast for today. We are still hauling out bits and bobs of old wood from the barn loft and the back sheds and chopping them small enough for the fire. Between these finds, a little unseasoned wood and the builders off-cuts we can light a fire in the evening. We are still below freezing every night and the cast iron box keeps the house warm for hours after the fire dies. In the day time I just move fast.
I am seriously hoping that this is the last few weeks of winter though, I am heartily sick of having to put on a hat, gloves, the clown suit, 2 pairs of socks and boots and my increasingly tatty Carhart jacket over the five layers of T shirts, skivvies and jerseys I am already wearing inside, every time I step out the door. The sun straightens our bodies up like flowers. I want some of that soon. I want to be able to stand still without freezing to the ground like a wet bucket.
I hope you have a lovely day. Not long now. Spring is coming. It has to.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
48 responses to “Marauding pigs break into the chook-run”
I suspect that such shenanigans are what keeps farmy interesting. I too am tired of the cold, but at least my outfits are usually stiletto boots and my mother’s gorgeous 1950’s swing coat; but it still takes three times as long to get out the door.
Well I think you must be nearing Spring as Autumn has hit us here.. or so it seems.. my early morning smoke at 4 am was taken with a jersey on for the last two days…
Life on the farm is best in the spring. Everyone is so happy for the warmth. Everything just seems to sing with joy. I hope it comes to you quickly. Love from KY!
I’m so happyto see Mia and Meadow looking good. I guess that Chalotte is a rascal all right. I’m trying to remember how to tell them apart. You must be sick of reminding us, but I can’t remember which entry you explained all. I should write this info down. I love knowing what breeds of sheep the critters are — Hairy and Mama et al– and Daisy and Queenie.
I shall make a special page just for you and you can print it and pop it in a drawer. Wait I shall try and put it together for that day after tomorrow. this is a good reminder too equus, we have lots of new readers again and they will appreciate this info too I am sure.. c
Sending you Magic Thoughts for SPRING!!!!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
I love your magic thoughts!.. c
The break-in Shush sisters had me giggling this morning. It is so good to start the morning with a smile and a laugh Celi. Like you we are desperate for the sun. My feet are webbed! V.
March is the cruelest month! It’s a tease, with winter not wanting to let go.
This makes me glad I don’t have pigs. I will be wearing sandals today.
Have you considered a pellet stove? Pellets cost approximately $250/ton, so $1000 for 4 tons of pellets for the whole winter with less grunt work. I have friends in northern Nevada who swear by their pellet stove.
Do those pellets need a special sort of stove? I don’t think Miss C. buys any wood on the farmy. I remember reading that it is all from other people cutting down trees or something like that.
You can get a kit to convert existing stoves. A newer pellet stove might be more efficient.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,214830,00.html
http://www.coastaljournal.com/website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2123:convert-your-woodstove-to-pellets-using-a-pellet-basket&catid=59:energy-and-sustainability&Itemid=44
I understand that the wood she gets is “free” (if you don’t count the amount of labor involved and the wear and tear to vehicles, trailers and chain saws). I was just suggesting she might think of it as a heating alternative that might save her some time and effort when she’s busy with so many other chores.
This is good research andrea, my only concern is that we are trying to heat without using any electricity or gas. I need to have a look but I think you need to have these plugged in to work and with our intermittent electricity I am not sure it would be suitable here. And thank you for the links, they look like good reading in any case. Good thinking though. (there is definitely a wear and tear issue on my ARMS!!) We are short of wood out here on the prairies so lets hope we can find enough each year! Have a lovely day and thank you for the ideas! c
Do you think being preggers makes Charlotte more adventure-prone? And, do you think you might ever show us a picture of the clown suit? Have a good day!
Phew… what a month! I had to do a little catch up:-) You are one busy joyful lady. Lovely.
I do hope your winter is drawing to a close. And so do your little cabbages. I’m leaving 50 degrees for 30 degrees for a weekend. I went the wrong direction.
These pigs are just too cute.
Happy almost spring..wendy
Pigs in the chook run; whoever would have heard of such a thing. I can feel a weather change approaching here, so maybe it will tip your way as well.
hello Celi well i just put a fence around the first garden area we’ll see if that keeps them out? field fencing i started a pig run for our sow built out of old pallets nailed on top with 2×4 ‘s we’ll see if that holds pinky pie still working on the cow pasture have a good evening SAINTS
One of the most intriguing headlines to date! Never a dull moment …
I must be in a ‘naughty Charlotte’ mood myself! Yes, you should do a pictorial fashion show of all the layers of clothing indoors and then the outdoor attire: we could all smile [NOT laugh] together and be ever so grateful that just a couple of layers might be enough for us 🙂 !