Natural and Organic Animal Care

Awhile back, I posted looking for information on a more natural way to keep our livestock healthy.  I know that there are books out there, but I haven't bought any.  I did come across some information that I'm going to use.  I thought I'd pass it on and if anyone knows if this works or doesn't, please post. 

First, Shaklee's Basic H is supposed to work as a wormer.  (Shaklee doesn't endorse it as such. ) One cup to 100 gallons of water.  (This is for cattle.)  Another cure, and one I've tried, is Diatomaceous Earth.  I've used this for lice.  Just sprinkle on the back of the animal.  I use food grade, because I've added it to goat food to get rid of internal parasites.  Some people say this works, some say it doesn't.

I also found a website www.farmsteadhealth.com.  This has natural wormers and supplements for just about any animal.  Rotating pastures often, keeping the barns clean and giving high quality foods all help to keep animals healthy.  There's also a kelp supplement that is supposed to help.  Lisa over at Lighthouse Farm uses this and says it works wonders.

Off to another day of housecleaning, yardcleaning, animal feeding , homeschooling, garden prep and praising my Lord!

From Glory Farm

Such Contentment

A quiet morning.  We awoke to thunder and rain.  Wonderful.  You can almost see the grass growing.  My dh went on one of his expeditions to retrieve priceless treasure.  This one being a traxcavator.  We do need one.  It comes in handy doing dirt work around here and moving things.  He sold the one we had at Christmas so we could buy presents.  That's the kind of guy he is.

There are three girls still asleep upstairs and it's almost 9:00.  Perhaps it's time to sound the alarm.  We have some hungry calves in the barn that need their attention.

I think it'll be a quiet day.  The rain is still falling softly.  There's sewing and spinning to do.  The fun stuff.  Bake some bread.  Sounds like a very nice day.  Hope your's is as well.

In all things bring Him glory.

From Glory Farm

Crocus and compost

It's not much, but it brings hope.  This lonely little crocus I found in my flower bed.

Still too cold to put in anything in the garden, but I have tulips up and I'll post pictures when they bloom.  I love flowers, don't you?

I put together my new compost bin today.  I think it'll work well.  It looks a lot better than the sheep wire I had around the old one.  I just put four pallets together and left the shorter one able to swing open.

I'd better get some supper on.  Have a glorious day.

From Glory Farm

Turn, turn, turn, turn

I went and got a spinning wheel today.  Now I'm committed.  I have to learn to spin.  I did a bit this afternoon and I know one thing, 20 minutes on the wheel turned out better yarn than four hours on the drop spindle. 

This is the wheel.  It needs to be finished.  A fella in a town about 40 miles from here makes these. 

It's made of oak.  I'm kinda excited to get going on it. 

Best get going to bed.

From Glory Farm,

Rhonda

Yes We Can-Can

After months (two) of searching, I've found the prefect garbage can for my kithchen. Two months ago we broke our kitchen garbage can and I wanted something different.  Something functional that looked nice.  I was going to make a wooden bin, but I haven't got around to it yet.  I found a book at the grocery store called "Painted Whimsies".  And voila!  The perfect can. In my excitement, I ran to the computer to tell you all about it and here it is.....

We can all sleep sounder now, knowing that problem has been solved.

The Lord bless,

From Glory Farm

Equine Vaccinations

I am not a person who is big on vaccines.  I know that they have done much good, but I think they may be getting a little out of hand.  They have vaccines for chicken pox, now required to be able to go to school, and I read about a vaccine for diarhea for children.  I know these may be good in some instances, but I chose not to immunize any more than the minimum required. 

When it comes to animals, I'm not sure which is the best policy.  As a child, we never immunized our dogs, cats, cows, anything.  Now, in order to bring your critters out in public, you have to have proof of immunizations.  We immunize every spring.  The horses get the four-way and the West Nile Virus.  Talking to a horse trainer and she said she won't give her horses the West Nile shot.  I don't know much about this, but I figured there must be a natural alternative, or at least another side to the equine immunization thing.  Vets encourage you to immunize against everything.  I guess I'm looking for some information along the lines of why not to immunize.  Is there something else you can do to help your animals stay healthy?  We bring in critters from other farms during the year and when you do that, you don't always know what you might be bringing in.  And what about worming?  We worm four times a year, but my mom says it makes her cringe, and that she thinks it's not a good policy to always worm your animals.

I suppose  I could buy a book.  I know that there are books about natural animal care.  I'd like to hear from someone who actually does it.

Thanks,

From Glory Farm

Cruel Joke

Is it a Minnesota thing, or do people in other parts of the country let the weather become an obsession?  My tulips are up, and dreams of working the warm soil with my hands seemed close to becoming a reality.  When what to my wondering eyes should appear?....No, not St. Nick, but he'd have no trouble getting through today.  Winter storm warning out with 9" of snow possible.  We need the moisture.  I'd prefer rain.  I had planned an exciting day of going to the land fill and to the Chrysler garage to get the truck fixed.  I guess all that fun will have to wait and I'll just have to make a cup of hot chocolate, send the kids out to feed the chickens and cows, and hunker down.  What a shame. 

Have a warm and cozy day.

From Glory Farm