Another Change

Since I successfully moved the chickens Thursday evening, that gave me the opportunity to make another switch the next day–the big bucks.

Donkey in the doorway

They were happy in the Morton building, and this really was a downgrade for them, but it was rather necessary.  I went to work when everyone was out in pasture, oblivious to the winter storm that was approaching.

the herd in pasture

The boys were also in the north paddock eating, so I closed the panel that let them come into the Morton building pen.

Gabe and Donkey through a now closed panel

I (mostly) finished clearing out the old chicken section in the barn.  Then I got it ready for the boys with a big tub of water in a heated bucket and a couple of tubs of hay.

mostly cleaned up with tubs of hay

heated tub and a salt/mineral block

Then I opened the outside pen. I forgot I had two full panels overlapped across here, so it was a bit of a job.  And I didn’t want to cut the panel, so it’s sort of staked open and then I put that big paving stone there to hold it open.

what a mess

I might have also put a piece of panel behind my gate into the pen.  Bucks like to push and fight, and weak gates lead to oopsie babies.

with supervising llamas, Maybeline and Skittles

Then I led them in by using a pitcher of goat feed. Of course, they were clear on the other side eating by the time I got ready to invite them in.

Gabe and Donkey

They were happy to come to me. I barely got in and turned around to take a picture before Gabe was right there.

Gabe coming through

They had no problem coming in and eating.

In their new accommodations

I do have the top door shut to block some snow and wind.  It’s the first time I’ve had something besides birds in this section of the barn.

They are such good boys

They went back to eat some more on pasture, but it might be the last they go out there for a while.

That feed was lip smacking good!

Now, with the storm coming, I have a place to put some wimpy goat to give her shelter and food since I shut her out of the Love Shack.

Laying outside when it’s 12° after I shut the Love Shack.

So I think I am done moving everyone around…until I mix the girls who are open with the bucks to make June babies.