Deer Mix for Sheep

11:21 PM, 7 April 2010
wet & cool

Today we went to the county extension agent's office and spoke with several people; one for the master gardener program, and one to discuss different kinds of biological ploughs for breaking up the hardpan clay streaks left on the property by the overuse and misuse of tractors by past owners. Among the useful advice he gave us was the idea of mulching around the base of trees to cut down on competing plants and pests. As it so happens, we have an excellent pine sawdust-based mulch which is highly enriched with animal waste materials in a nearly unlimited supply, provided we give it enough time.

We also went to the farmstore, where we purchased a seed mix which is intended to draw deer to properties; it's composed largely of various types of clover, but also birdsfoot trefoil and a few other things. While there, we were offered a rabbit some people had had to give up for whichever reason, a moderate-sized lilac doe of uncertain breed. She was understandably nervous, but perked up a bit once we got her home and into a suitably cleaned and prepared cage and given some food.

The two geese are still nesting under the porch; the newer of the two now has two eggs in her nest, and life proceeds apace.