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New Year Update

3/1/2017

2 Comments

 
It’s about time I sat down and gave you all an update on our homestead, well overdue I know.

Firstly, we must apologize for no recent videos.  This is due to our computer going kaput due to a power surge and the computer is now FUBAR.  A replacement has been ordered, but, like all things coming to our island it takes time to arrive, especially over New Year.  Hopefully, it will be here by the end of the week - along with a decent surge protector.  Video output will resume!

We had to dispatch one of the turkeys as he had a sinus condition which affected his immune system.  We had hoped he would recover - but, eventually we needed to do the right thing for him. We have one turkey left who is quite happy playing big brother to the chickens - but, he will be for the pot before too long.  

We are not fans of turkey meat, we eat it of course, but, they do not make it onto our list of poultry that we want to raise.  Our chickens are doing well, not yet laying eggs but, that is due to the lack of light and them being cooped up under lock down.  Only 3 days until chicken liberation day - then they will be kicked out into their paddock to free range, and hopefully get some sun on their backs.  

​
We have promises of sheep and lambs, as well as a lot of local advice on all things sheepish.  So come the spring, Dee will have her wish of 2 pet lawn mowers for wool called Izzy and Beth, and maybe a few lambs to raise for meat.

Island life is fantastic, the rugged and barren remoteness is offset by the warmth and friendliness of the locals.  The weather is not an issue providing you are prepared to get blown off of your feet, which is very invigorating!  

The next thing we want to get sorted is the raised / lowered beds for vegetables.  Our soil is very rocky and clay, so raised is the way to go - but, we will need to build up the sides and make windbreaks to help protect the plants.

We have ordered some sea buckthorn, which is a coastal plant that thrives in saline winds, grows tall and wide and has been used as windbreaks for generations.  They also give a very versatile berry for making jams, pies and wines.  We will have to see how they grow!


​
2 Comments
Liz link
3/1/2017 12:31:49

I am still very excited for you both! Sorry to read about the turkey, it's always sad to have to despatch due to illness, but good on you for doing the right thing.
I'm looking forward to seeing photos of what will be the garden area. Are you going to use the chickens to prepare the ground?
I will let you know as soon as we have Australorp eggs ready for hatching.
Liz xx

Reply
James and Dee link
3/1/2017 16:17:53

Hi Liz,

I will take some photos of the land tomorrow - I started to clear it today by hand, and surprisingly it is starting to look good! The weeds came up quickly and left lovely dark soil - looks like someone before us piled on a load of manure and compost. Even found some rhubarb crowns. Once I've taken back the worst of the weeds we might let the chickens have a few days rummaging around there.

Looking forward to the Aussie eggs :) thank you! How eggciting!

Reply



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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • First Time Pregnant
    • Contact Us
  • Wine List & Recipes
    • Banana Wine Made Simple
    • Blaand
    • Blackberry Mead
    • Christmas Pudding Wine!
    • Chocolate Wine
    • Easy Rhubarb Wine
    • Gorse Flower Wine
    • Gutsy Ginger Wine
    • Liquorice Wine
    • Mead Making Made Simple
    • Melon Wine
    • Mint Wine Recipe
    • Mushroom Wine
    • Nasturtium Leaf Wine
    • Nettle and Mint Wine
    • No Boil Rhubarb Wine
    • Orange Wine
    • Lemon and Ginger Mead
    • Pear Wine
    • Pine Needle Wine
    • Pumpkin Wine
    • Rose Hip Leaf Wine
    • Red Kidney Bean Wine!
    • Rose Petal Wine
    • Rhubarb and Apple Wine
    • Seaweed Wine
    • Spiced banana wine
    • Sticky Toffee Pudding Wine
    • Turnip and Red Cabbage Wine
    • Wine Making 101
    • What is a country wine?
    • ​Can I use bread yeast to make wine?