It was one of those ‘rush about’ mornings. I tried to suppress an underlying feeling of anxiety, while acting cool, calm and collected. I needed to function efficiently as today we had our TB test. A day when an inner strength is required and keeping your wits about you is essential.
First things first, the chickens needed to be let out, fed and watered. On my way back to the house with an armful of eggs I met a four month-old calf with its tail up, scampering full tilt towards open fields. I managed to turn it back in the direction of the cattle sheds. An escapee before we’d even started didn’t bode well. I was relieved to see Nigel securing our entrance gates; the last thing you want is a road runner. I quickly deposited the eggs and hurried up to the buildings, where cattle were being batched up in readiness for guiding down the race. The errant animal was persuaded to rejoin its group.
Our extra helper eyed up our straw store on arrival and greeted us with the words: “If you got rid of your cattle and sold your straw, you’d be a lot better off.” Hmmm… Straw might be fetching ridiculous prices, but where would be the pleasure in empty sheds? Indeed, in order to conserve our supplies, we’ve only just housed our cattle. In fact one group of stores we led into the shed on the morning of the test, which I thought was risky. We’re not alone. I understand that over-wintering cattle in woods is also being tried, and I’ll be interested to know how that works out.
The vet arrived on schedule and the cows and calves on the home farm behaved well. Even our Angus Bull, Rosemead Emperor, co-operated; he actually allowed us to close the headstock, which is most unusual. We don’t tend to argue with him, as I have some grim past memories from A&E of attending to injuries caused by a bull.
Putting it politely, our store cattle were lively, so I was glad of our mobile handling system, which is considerably safer than our previous set up. My only criticism is the noise level, with the clanking of the galvanised doors tending to hype up the cattle. Prior to results day I’m going to apply some grease. Our task was completed two hours faster than the vet had expected, so consequently she had to bring forward her next appointment. Good teamwork can be fun, especially in these times of isolation. I’m hoping the cattle go clear of TB and we avoid catching Covid-19.
Regarding the pandemic, I don’t envy the politicians trying to make the right decisions. Whatever they do won’t be right for everyone. But I think New Zealand’s prime minister’s actions are admirable, cutting her own and ministers’ pay “to express solidarity” with people facing pay cuts and redundancy. Boris Johnson should take note.
Our spaniels are slightly bemused by the turn of events this winter. They worked their socks off for a few days, and now despite the abundance of pheasants around, the whistle and the beating stick are untouched. The dogs are perplexed. At first they were happy to have a few ‘duvet days’ to recuperate, but now they look at us, questioning our wisdom in being so neglectful. I’m sure they’ll enjoy the lifting of lockdown.
Brie, our sheepdog, is relieved that she’s not getting the blame for the most recent vandalism to Shrek (ATV). In fact she feels exonerated from her previous misdemeanour, now we realise she was only trying to catch the real villains. The battery went flat; we charged it up, but it only lasted two days. Exasperated, I demanded we replace the battery. All was well, but three days later the indicators stopped working and the battery died again. Mice had developed a passion for wiring, chewing through the battery charging and indicator leads.
I was fascinated by what we found in the mouse nest, located next to the battery. Turns out mice love a bit of sparkle and they’ve even taken up writing: Mice memoirs – how to successfully wind up Brie. They had stowed a miniature silver pen and its string which had originally been attached to a tiny notebook in which I noted down ear tag numbers. It had mysteriously disappeared and had been recycled into mice bedding. The brightly coloured balloons that I retrieve from the countryside and stow behind the seat had also been relocated and recycled.
Recently Hannah asked me to work Brie with her while Nigel took some photos and video. I agreed. Next a brightly coloured parcel turned up? “Oh that’s our clothes to wear,” exclaimed Hannah. I never dreamed that at retirement age, I’d be modelling clothes alongside my daughter-in-law. Something to add to my CV, I guess. The clothes were all made of wool, so I was super happy to be promoting these. I loved the leg warmers, so cosy, especially as they colour co-ordinated with my yellow wellies which I’m particularly fond of; a rebel amongst green wellies.
I’m looking forward to chicken moving day. We’re converting an old ATV trailer into a hen house. I’ve vowed to create a more user-friendly version. In the past we’ve had an assortment of dilapidated hen houses, impossible to move and difficult to keep clean. Static ones attract vermin and red mite.
Ideally I’d like to let the chickens properly roam free. This strategy is flawed as it’s unlikely that foxes and badgers will turn vegan, or that we will become hot shots. Permanent runs become muddy in no time at all. Hence electric poultry netting, combined with our newly constructed, easily moveable, pressure washerable hut will, I hope, be the answer. I asked Hazel to brighten it up with some art work. I think she did a good job.
Hazel also came up trumps this week by producing our first very cute granddaughter – Anna. Can’t wait for cuddles, post lockdown.
Wishing all readers a happy, healthy, Merry Christmas.
