71 In Homesteading

Monthly Musings On The Farm-January

January always keeps us New Englanders on our toes when it comes to weather conditions.  So far, there is only a small amount of snow on the ground.  Cold, crisp air with some flurries falling from the sky is an average day here.  All the animals have been adjusting well to the cold.  Phoebe, my Toulouse goose, seems to get rather confused some mornings at the state her small pond tends to be in.  She doesn't enjoy how the low temperatures turn it into ice overnight.  My goose, Finn, along with the ducks, Freckles and Little Wing, make their way over to the big pond that is not frozen solid.  

I get some giggles watching the adorable ice skating moves they attempt to pull off as well as some slippery wipeouts along the way. Nothing stops them from swim time fun.  Freckles had an encounter that, unfortunately, left her with some small wounds on her head.  We made sure to wash and clean them daily.  We also separated her from the others for a few nights so she could get better and rest.  Her wounds have healed up quickly, and she is now back to normal.  

The horses, Indica and Khalila, are staying warm in their blankets while being as feisty as ever.  When it comes to the goats, they do not enjoy the feeling of any kind of precipitation hitting them.  They have been hunkered down in the barn more as of late.  I enjoy watching each of the chickens put one leg up for awhile during the chilly weather.  They alternate doing this with each leg while staying perched on one foot to keep warm.  It's rather cute and genius if you ask me.  There are some days I wish I could hide one leg under my big coat.  They become toasty again as soon as they make there way back to the barn.  Come see this month's happenings on the farm.

Nibbling on some feed

Khalila

Indica

Those who swim together, stay together

Freckles cleaning her wings

Little Wing

Fluffy Butts

Keeping one foot up, for good luck and warmth

THROWBACK PICTURE

THROWBACK PICTURE

Taken summer 2014

How has the winter weather been treating you in your town?  Do you have any tips when it comes to keeping animals warm an safe from frost?  Tell me in the comment section below.  I hope everyone is staying warm and cozy.  See you back here next month for another edition of Monthly Musings On The Farm.  Spring will be here soon enough!  In the meantime, share your January pictures with me on Twitter @thefreckledrose. I'd love to see! 

In Case You Missed It-Monthly Musings On The Farm December

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71 Comments

  • Reply
    Sharon
    January 26, 2016 at 11:49 am

    Lovely photos! I especially love the horses. It’s my dream to learn to ride (sigh!). I’m glad to find your blog from the link parties!

  • Reply
    DeniseinVA
    January 26, 2016 at 10:29 am

    This put a big smile on my face this morning. Great photos!

  • Reply
    Täysin arkista
    January 26, 2016 at 7:25 am

    Such beautiful, funny photos.

  • Reply
    Eileen
    January 26, 2016 at 6:58 am

    Hello, I love all your prety farm animals. The horses and chickens are so cute. I hope they all can cope with this cold weather. Keep warm and safe. Lovely photos. Have a happy day and week ahead!

  • Reply
    Jim
    January 26, 2016 at 2:07 am

    Beautiful shots.

  • Reply
    Murthy Kvvs
    January 26, 2016 at 1:33 am

    Great pictures with good clarity and narration added pep ..Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply
    Lea
    January 26, 2016 at 1:18 am

    Love all the chickens, but the geese photo is my favorite!

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Stewart
    January 26, 2016 at 12:14 am

    I love these shots! Something just draws me in and makes me want to be there.

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      February 18, 2016 at 2:13 pm

      Thanks Elizabeth! It’s lovely to sit back and enjoy all the animals!

  • Reply
    Kelleyn
    January 25, 2016 at 11:07 pm

    Lovely photos except the goat gives me the creeps!
    http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-joyful-surprise.html

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      February 18, 2016 at 2:11 pm

      Awww, he’s the cuddliest and the friendliest little goat! 😀

  • Reply
    tanya breese
    January 25, 2016 at 10:25 am

    what beautiful photos of all your farm animals!

  • Reply
    Christine
    January 25, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Absolutely stunning pictures! WIsh I had some tips for ya to keep your animals warm, but both of mine are indoor ones. Hubby and the dog, lol. You definitely are doing something right, they look happy and beautiful!

    Thanks so much for the support, the share(s0 and the tweets! I really appreciate it. Have a great week!

  • Reply
    AmyLovestoSew
    January 25, 2016 at 4:21 am

    So lovely, your update could make a great children’s book I think. and your photos are gorgeous. Your farm sounds a wonderful place to be. Not too cold here in South Derbyshire in the UK (at the moment) and I only have two cats to keep warm (which they achieve quite well by snuggling up on the sofa and making me sit on the floor!)

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      February 17, 2016 at 1:04 pm

      Thank you for the kind words Amy! I’m sure your kitties make great cuddle buddies even though they are sofa hogs. My chihuahuas do the same! 😀

  • Reply
    Tony McGurk
    January 25, 2016 at 12:10 am

    Great animal photos. I especially like the one of the Geese & Ducks near the barn door. Had a good laugh at your description of them ice skating

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      February 17, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      Thanks Tony! They certainly do know how to make me smile 🙂

  • Reply
    Pondside
    January 24, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    What lovely photos!
    After years on an acreage, with lots of wonderful animal characters, last year we moved into a seaside village. While I miss the animals I don’t miss the winter care. We had to turn the water to the fields off due to freezing, so there was a lot of hauling. I don’t have many tips. Everyone had good winter shelter, extra rations and warm-ish water. We don’t have to contend with really cold weather here in the Pacific Northwest, but it was often below freezing out where we were.
    Visiting from Amaze Me Monday

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      February 17, 2016 at 1:02 pm

      Thank you very much! Yes, winter care can definitely be a challenge. A seaside village sounds like a dream!

  • Reply
    rusty duck
    January 24, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    Gorgeous pics, I love Freckles preening. I remember once watching geese come in to land on a lake not realising it was frozen. Their feet shot out beneath them but the forward momentum kept them going.. I wanted to get a broom and see how far they would get. It was just like watching curling! Thankfully nobody hurt, although dignity took a knock.

    • Reply
      Thefreckledrose
      February 17, 2016 at 1:00 pm

      Thank you! Aww, you can’t help but laugh! 🙂

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