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| January 2008 Entries Thur 31st Jan 2008The last day of January, time to do the monthly BAS and other paperwork - I can see this year is going to fly by as quickly as last year. It is a bit of a sad day as one of neighbors horses passed away overnight. RIP Dixie. Yesterday ended up being quite hot but we got a nice cool change come through in the afternoon with a storm and brief shower. Still it has freshened everything up which is lovely. Wed 30th Jan 2008It is another sunny day here and I think it will get quite hot later. The animals are up and grazing as when it does start to warm up they will all snooze the day away under our lovely shade trees. I think I will focus on inside jobs today as the flies are awful at the moment. Tue 29th Jan 2008Khan's vet visit went well, the vet said it might not be until the third injection when we see real improvement. It was a hot day yesterday, it always surprises just how much more is drunk on warm days, I'd say up to 5-6 the amount of water consumed on cooler days. Mon 28th Jan 2008Khan has to go to the vet today for his second Cartrophen injection. He does seem more comfortable so I am really confident they are working. Diesel has been bute free for two days now and is doing well. He is still lame and obviously a bit sore but is starting to get back into his normal routine of grazing- sleeping-grazing-sleeping so he must be feeling better. Not a lot else happening, I am feeling better so did a big spring clean of the garage (hay shed). Our hen now only has a week to go before her eggs are due to hatch - I just love little chicks. Our chicken numbers have grown considerably over the last year so we are going to build a second coop just so no one feels over crowded. Sun 27th Jan 2008Yesterday afternoon we went over and helped some friends vaccinate a few of their llamas. The ones that needed doing are the more difficult members of the herd so rather than even attempt to separate and restrain them we simply herded everyone into a very small but secure pen, it was very crowded so they couldn't really move around so then it was simply a matter of injecting the ones that needed doing. They were so annoyed by being that close to the others I don't think they even noticed the needle going in. All up it took about 20 minutes form getting them from the paddock and then released again. I heard the idea of no restraint injections from Marty McGee Bennett and I have to say it works very well. I am still not feeling 100% so it will be a quiet day for me as Ken is at work. I need to do the chores like feeding, cleaning water containers and poo patrol - sometimes it would be nice to have a life where if you were not feeling the best you could stay in bed all day and it wouldn't matter - but then I get a nose kiss from the llamas or sheep and a nuzzle from the horses and I go back to knowing I wouldn't want to change a thing. Sat 26th Jan 2008 - Australia DayKen helped out on the gate of the local Australia Day rodeo this morning. This afternoon we are going over to our friends to help them with their llamas. Other than that I think I will take it easy as I took a tumble yesterday and I feel a bit stiff and sore. Fri 25th Jan 2008I think it is going to be another pleasant day, it certainly has been the really hot, dry summer we normally have. Diesel and Khan are both still doing well, Diesel is moving so much better and even managed to lie down (and get up easily) so I will hold off on his bute and see how he goes. Ken is quite happy with the idea of buying another riding horse and retiring Diesel, I know Diesel will be happy with the arrangement as he really dislikes being ridden (actually I think he hates giving control to anyone else). Mascara is looking to be getting a bit of a tummy so I trying hard not to get too excited with the prospect of a cria due in late April. It is a shame she will be the only one due as they won't have a playmate, although Mascara is such a control freak that I doubt she'd let her cria play with anyone else. (Clover was mated at the same time but absorbed sometime over winter) Thur 24th Jan 2008I have some good news, both Diesel and Khan are improving. Diesel can walk further, quicker and is back to grazing. I will reduce his bute medication today and then hopefully reduce it again by Saturday/Sunday. Khan is beginning to run around and play with Austin, it is like he is five years younger. I am so relieved that both my beloved friends are feeling better. Not much else happening, mummy hen is now 11 days into hatching her eggs so about another 10 days to go. We finally seem to have found the right system, she stays in her nesting box, but we block it off until late afternoon (She has feed and water in with her) when she gets a chance to get out into the sun and stretch her legs. This keeps the other hens from pushing her off her eggs and reduces the risk of damaging the eggs or hatching chicks. Wed 23rd Jan 2008Not much improvement with Diesel, at least I have found a way to give him his bute, I just mix it in with some feed and he eats it quite happily. It is better news about Khan as he is starting to move a lot easier and doesn't have nearly as much trouble getting up from lying down. He also seems happier in himself so I am confident the treatment is working. Unfortunately our internet phone line is still not working, I was told it should be fixed by 8PM today so fingers crossed. It is really hard for me to limit my internet time as there is always something I want to research etc. Tue 22nd Jan 2008Diesel is still very sore, but seem a bit better than yesterday, I think it is just going to take lots of time for his muscles to heal. We are beginning to suspect he actually took a tumble on the wet and slippery ground. Khan also seems a bit better, he is running around more than he has in a while so perhaps the cartrophen is working already. It is a nicer day today, dry and even sunny at times. The llamas seem to really love cool but dry weather, they have been grazing all morning. Mon 21st Jan 2008We have just had the vet out as Diesel is very lame, and hardly wanting to move. The vet thinks he has some muscle damage to his right side and has given him bute and another pain relief drug. The poor boy was shivering as it is cool and wet here so he has been rugged and confined to the shelter yard with his friend Sparks. At least Ken is home today to look after him. I also asked the vet to check Khan over as he has been whimpering when he jumps onto the back deck. He thought it appeared he had muscle wastage but said he really needed to do blood tests and x-rays before knowing much more. As it is Ken's day off we decided to take him straight to the vet surgery where he had the necessary tests. The X-Ray showed he has a quite bad case of hip displasia. He has started him on a course of cartrophen, he needs an injection once a week for four weeks. Then we can reassess and see if that treatment is working or if he will need anti inflammatory drugs. The one good thing is that I have always kept Khan reasonably trim, as I know overweight larger dogs can have hip problems. The vet said he has been well managed and if he had been carrying extra weight it would have become a fairly serious problem before now. Poor Khan is still a bit groggy as he had a sedative so they could take a good shot of his hips - while he was sedated they also cleaned his ears out for me. At least the blood tests showed everything else was normal and the vet said overall he is a healthy dog. Sun 20th Jan 2008It is another overcast day, our friend Caryl is coming over to trim the horses feet today - at least with all the rain hopefully their feet will be relatively soft. The llamas have spent nearly all day in their shelter so I am having to do twice daily clean ups. Sat 19th Jan 2008We were going to help some friends vaccinate their llamas today but it is such horrible weather that we have decided to leave it to another day. It has been raining on and off all night - there was lots of poo in the llama shelter today so they must have been inside all night. They come out to graze if it eases for a while but as soon as it starts raining they all run back under cover. I am going to start work on the Taralga Show website today - it is hard to believe it is less than two months away - it only seems like yesterday that I was working on last years website. I was a bit worried for a while that we would have to hold the show without horses, but as our area is now green we can hold horse events, just some paperwork and regulations to comply with. Fri 18th Jan 2008I have been trying to think of a good excuse as to why there was no update yesterday but I couldn't think of any - the truth is I just forgot. We have had a lovely morning as one of Ken's colleagues bought their family out to meet the animals, I was so thrilled as everyone behaved themselves - even Toby who took a shine to both little girls, which is surprising as he is usually vary wary of strangers. The animals were all happy to accept some extra hay and treats, Drummond even got an extra bottle. Wed 16th Jan 2008Mum and dad liked the invitations so now I just have to get the guest list so I can print them out. I really didn't mind being without power yesterday, it was very peaceful. Our second phone line is still out which is a pain as I have to limit my internet usage. It has been cooler and overcast today, we have even had the odd drop of rain or two. One of our black hens has gone clucky, she is sitting on four eggs so fingers crossed in three weeks we will have some new additions. Tue 15th Jan 2008I am writing this early as we are having a power pole replaced sometime today so the power will be off from 9AM. I have had to fill up buckets so I have water while the pump is out of action. It was really cold, windy and foggy when we fed everyone this morning, but it seems to be clearing a bit now. I spent most of yesterday working on invitations for a party my parents are having to celebrate 30 years of living in Australia later this year. I remember leaving England so clearly, it is hard to believe that was 30 years ago!! Mon 14th Jan 2008Well the home line is back in action but we are still without the fax and internet line so I will have to ration my internet use as otherwise people won't be able to call - I wish we could get broadband!! It is cool and foggy today, it is nice having a break from being bothered by flies. Ken is going to spray some thistles is the paddock that is being spelled this afternoon. They have gotten a bit too big to dog out. Sun 13th Jan 2008I am not sure when this update will be uploaded as we currently have no phone lines, which means no internet connection. Still I thought I'd write one just to prove I am not making excuses and that it wasn't because I really forgot. We had about 20mm of rain overnight with some very impressive lightning displays and some thunder which of course really upset Austin. It was really lovely to have a cool change come through, it is sunny this morning but with a breeze which is making things a lot more pleasant than it has been over the last few days. Poor Chicky Babe managed to get himself trapped in one of the large empty feed buckets this morning, I was his hero as I found him and let him out. Sat 12th Jan 2008Very hot again yesterday and warm but overcast this morning. I think we might get some rain later which will be nice to freshen things up. I have just finished my outside daily chores so everyone is fed and watered, has access to shelter and shade and the horses have their fly veils on. I have also picked up the poo, raked the grass from having the driveway and house paddock mowed and saved George the cat from a very curious herd of llamas who had him surrounded (Mind you he was in their shelter). I have to finish off some paperwork I am doing for a friend and then I have to start thinking about getting some information on conference facilities, accommodation etc for the annual Llama Association conference. It should be another busy day. Fri 11th Jan 2008Well less than 10 days into the New Year and I have already managed to forget one update - thank goodness my resolution to get a bit fitter is going a little better. It was really hot here yesterday not that it seemed to bother the llamas - some were sunbaking in the hottest part of the day with their bellies to the sun. I did notice that a lot more water was consumed which is good as it will help prevent dehydration. I make sure on hot days there are extra watering stations, most of which I place in the shade so the water doesn't get too hot. It is hot again today but everyone seems to be coping well. I have busied myself doing paperwork inside with the air conditioning on. Wed 9th Jan 2008Cool again today, I have delayed the poo pick up in the hope it might get a little warmer later. I have booked Chili onto the next transport run which we think will be sometime in Feb - I can't wait to get him here and start working with him and for him to start working!! Tue 8th Jan 2008It is cool and foggy here this morning, everyone seems to be enjoying the cooler change. Khan looks and smells lovely after his beauty make over, I think he feels better as well, he really enjoys a hydro bath. I was really worried earlier as I thought we had lost one of the chicks, I searched high and low and eventually found him in an upturned bucket in the garage - he ran off to join his friends so I think he will be fine. We sent off the poo samples for the horses yesterday, it will be interesting to get the results. I also gave the horses a mineral block yesterday, they all had a good sniff and lick so I think they like it. Mon 7th Jan 2008It is quite hot here today, thankfully we have lots of beautiful shade trees and lots of watering stations so everyone is coping well. Khan is going to the groomers this afternoon, he goes once a year, I wash and groom him in between visits, but it is nice for him to have the works every now and then. I gave Toby a wash today, he is so easy as he fits into the laundry tub - it only takes about 5 minutes and not much water. As opposed to Khan who takes about 20 minutes and lots of water for a decent bath. Austin will go to the vet for clipping as he needs a sedative otherwise he stresses too much. We are trying to get poo samples form the horses for worm testing, until recently Ken has been routinely drenching on change of seasons and alternating drenches with different active ingredients but he has done some research and realised it is a lot more effective to only drench when needed and to select a drench specific to the type of worms present. I think he has also seen that regular sampling has worked for the alpaca and llama herds. Sun 6th Jan 2008Yesterday we had some time off farm and went to Canberra to do some shopping. Everyone was fine while we were away, in fact apart from the dogs I don't think anyone noticed we were gone. (They all had their breakfast in the morning so were quite happy). Ken has done the poo pick up for me for the last couple of days, it is so nice having a break from the routine chores. I am playing on my new elliptical trainer, I only do 20 minutes at a time but I feeling a bit sore from using different muscles than normal. Still over time it should help me to get a bit fitter and hopefully lose those Christmas kilos. It is foggy and cool here this morning, although I think it will warm up during the day. It has been a very mild summer so far, which I am really enjoying as I hate the really hot days that we can sometimes get. I got an update on Paddington and Bandit, they are settling in nicely which is a relief. Today we might go over to some friends and help them with the vaccination of their llamas. Sat 5th Jan 2008All went well with the drop off of the the boys yesterday, Ken said their new home was really lovely. When they got off the float they hummed a little but were happy to explore their new surroundings. The resident pet sheep were not too sure what to make of their new companions, but I am sure after a few days they will realise they are friends not foe. Fri 4th Jan 2008Paddington and Bandit the alpaca boys are on their way to their new home. Ken left about 8AM, the boys were very well behaved and loaded easily. We encouraged Paddington to get in (he was tempted by the lucerne hay) and then Bandit just jumped in as he wanted to stay close to his friend. I will worry until they have arrived at their destination safe and sound and Ken is home again. It will take a bit longer than normal as Ken has to get the car and float cleaned before he leaves as where the boys are going is a purple zone for EI so we are being very careful to not transfer the infection. Thur 3rd Jan 2008Yesterday was a paperwork day paying bills, doing our BAS return etc. It is a little cooler here today so hopefully I will be able to work on some of the outside chores such as bracken pulling and thistle digging. The two alpaca boys will be drenched today in preparation for their move to their new home. Once they have gone there will be no more alpacas on the property - I will miss their furry little faces. Wed 2nd Jan 2008I am still not used to writing 2008, I have this problem every year and it generally takes until the end of the month until I get used to the new year. It was a cool morning but it starting to warm up now, still not uncomfortably hot. The llamas have been grazing - in about another half hour or so they will sit down and rest or chew their cud for several hours. That stick to this routine almost everyday. Paddington and Bandit the two resident alpacas will be going to their new home sometime over the weekend. Merlin will miss their company, but they really only need each other so I am sure they will be very happy in their new home. Tue 1st Jan 2008 - Happy New Year!!!!!!Well so far so good with my resolution of more regular updates!! Tomorrow I will start to make enquiries about transport for Chili my new male to come up here. It has been a nice day here not too hot or cold - the animals have spent plenty of time grazing and seem quite content. I have been doing regular water top ups to make sure everything stays nice and cool. I also have added some electrolytes to one bucket just in case anybody feels like they need them. Toby and I have been going for a walk every evening, it is so peaceful around here. We have found a great route that takes about an hour and has some hills to help with fitness. It takes about an hour depending on how many wee and sniff stops Toby wants. |
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