I wonder if peahen eggs is the correct term or peacock eggs. The egg may contain either.
It seems the peahens are laying again. Or at least I have found one of their more recent nests. (With a chicken egg in it just for good measure.) The peahens are being very good at staying out of the gardens so are again roaming free (until the tomatoes and grapes are ripening then back to the penthouse they will go.)
Now what do I do. The eggs will be fine for a few days, she will lay a clutch and then she may come back and sit on them.
But the nest is very close to the milking parlour and the side of the barn with all the action, so I am not sure if she would sit there long.
And of course in about 13 days we will have noisy piglets in here too! How many are in there. Maybe we should run a sweepstake! I will try and work out how to do one, that could be fun! Or maybe a poll?
But I do have another broody hen for peacock eggs if need be. The eggs will wait a wee while. They have not been warmed up at all so they are still dormant.
The lambs will soon be fat enough to take to the little local abbatoir. It is a very small concern and they are good kind men who treat the animals with respect. Remember this is not a hobby for me. I am working towards being as self sufficient as possible. I don’t work off the farm, my contribution to the family coffers is much more direct. We do eat what I grow. This is why I grow. The reality of hands on farming is that you will end up looking your dinner in the eye and saying thank you. I think this is an important link in the ancient rhythm of hand to mouth. Knowing where your food comes from means you don’t waste it. Growing the food yourself means you actually eat less meat because it is hard won.
The lamb and beef, honey, vegetables and eggs also become a kind of currency. I often pay for services and favours to the farm with our own produce. This is part of being self sufficient. And keeping as few animals as possible on the ground is part of being sustainable. This is why Mia will be going with the lambs. That sheep has been through enough – it is her time. (I know this is hard but I also know that you expect truth from me and that you know deep down that this is the only answer for Mia, she has miscarried a total of six lambs, all dead, and all in grievous circumstances, she eats lying down in the field, she walks with her head down with a panicked gait . I have to call it, that is enough for the poor thing.)I know this upsets some of you but I am running a working farm. We have to deal with the tough decisions. We cannot stock more than the land can maintain without stress and we cannot keep an animal who is in stress.
Pity I can’t pay the land taxes with a piglet though! Because soon we will have pure bred Hereford piglets to sell to local children (to raise and show) and maybe even peacock chicks!
We have had two calm nights in a row now. No storms. Yesterday was a stunning day. Not too hot and perfect for the garden. Though I still have not got into the bee hives.. maybe today!
Good morning. The flood waters are slowly receding and the land and the skies are settling down again. Lets hope this trend continues for a while.
You all have a lovely day.
your friend, celi.
The Kitchen's Garden 
100 responses to “More peacock eggs and big bellies and sleeping cats!”
great photos
Yep, you are so right Celi. We’ll have to deal with butchering our first pig for the freezer in the fall. We’ll start reading books and watching the YouTube videos soon. xo
Yin-Yang cats! Universe smiles on the farmie and C
It’s a kindness when an animal is down. A kindness.
Do you often run across old rusted farm equipment? Sometimes you run across it in the fields/old farmhouses. Makes nice photos?
Glad the weather is leveling out – expecting 100 here this weekend. (Guess it’s time to find a cool spot for the next few months)
I have always thought that the respect and deep care you show for your animals is a wonderful thing and it is no less so when you are making these difficult decisions. Thank you for sharing them with us so openly. On another note, I think a piglet swee
Whoops! … pstake sounds like loads of fun!
Haha, Yin and Yang the cats!
Thanks for your heartfelt honesty, Celi.
I’m glad it’s finally calm around the farmy.
I’m guessing…………hmmmmm, how about 11 piglets!
ELEVEN! Ok I shall take the poll to eleven. Hope NOT though!! c
a piglet sweepstake is a great idea! I’ll go with 6 🙂
Fantastic article! Thank you for the insight into your lovely life! I look forward to more!
yikes! i looked it up and pigs can have 10-15 piglets ans sometimes 20! get ready!
I love your approach to living, miss c. It feels so real and so honest and so aligned with all the forces of nature. How do I send you a picture of my view?
either post it on your blog and link it to me OR email( a nice a big file to) celima.g.7@gmail.com and leave me a link to your blog in the email.. I am SO looking forward to your view! c
Oh my. I had no idea that Mia was doing so poorly. If she doesn’t stand to eat and is just not thriving, it is time to go. It’s very sad. But that is how we make choices for all of our animals isn’t it? It is needless to let her suffer.
Hi Celi.. yes the cycle of life.. it was hard to look at a piece of steak without remembering the calf we raised by hand… but one must eat and in the end it all goes down with enjoyment, almost as much enjoyment as the raising them…
I admire your commitment to what you are doing and to doing what is best for Mia. Truly tough decisions have to be made on a farm, and it is so clear that you are honest, caring and thoughtful in making them. It looks like there are 4-5 piglets in there judging from the shot of Charlotte’s belly…not that I know about these things, but that’s just what it looks like to me! 🙂 Those are some mighty cute kittens you have there, Celi.
I don’t know how to tell you this, but I think your pig might be pregnant.
Oh NO! Who is going to break the news to Char! c
I very much respect the way you love your animals and the land, Celi. Out of all you said, and there was a lot of rich thought that went into how you shared, I particularly paused at your consideration of how you conserve, and don’t “overuse” either the land or the animals. Waste in our country has started to really concern and affect me, and seeing what that means through your experience is very moving to me. I think you show a special understanding where Mia is concerned. You’ve really been sensitive all along the way. oxo