Farm News
July 2006
We
completed shearing in June, we managed to pick one of the few wet days and had
to house the sheep the night before so that they were dry for shearing.
Here is Jim in action with a Suffolk Cross ewe in the salon.
They may have had their doubts at the time, but with the temperature in the 90's this week they are very grateful now.
The very hot conditions have given some sheep farmers major problems with fly strike, we have been keeping a close eye on the ewes and lambs so that we could deal with any cases before they get serious.
Every June we declare war on thistles, and this year has been no exception, armed with the topper behind the tractor or a strimmer we try to minimise any seeding.
We have had great excitement with our bird boxes this year, Reg and his good friend Brian organised a number of bird boxes 2 or 3 years ago. The boxes ranged from those suitable for Tits to larger boxes for Owls and Kestrels. The tit boxes found ready tenants and for two years have produced many young Blue Tits and a few Coal Tits, but the larger boxes were invariably used by Squirrels.
This year two pairs of Kestrels took up residence in Boxes at each end of the Farm. On July 14th Reg and Brian came to check on the chicks two clutches of 3 chicks each were ringed.
The photo shows a Kestrel chick about to have a ring placed on its leg.