Boxing birds

We spent yesterday cleaning out and replacing the bird boxes. We had 100% occupancy in the three boxes we have around the Croft, so I'm putting up more. Bird boxes are so simple - but they are a productive part of being a natural scientist.

Moving home

Second hand home - one lady owner

These did not hatch

A dancing lamb - hypoxia?

The second of our twins, Hinge, staggers around a bit.

Pep says this is probably due to hypoxia - a lack of oxygen - during the birth process. There are a number of possible causes (see for example http://www.sheepvet.com.au/sheepvet/page3.htm); none of the rest of the flock is affected, and he seems OK, so far; he feeds normally. We're keeping him and his mum in the field while we review his progress.

Twins!

Benbecula, the sheep whose life we saved in 2011, when she was a few months old (see http://croftingcatalunya.blogspot.com.es/2011/04/she-lived.html) gave birth yesterday...to our first set of twins.

Hinge and Bracket were helped into the world by the Crofters (I was away). Pep the Wonder-Vet came to help too. Hinge, the male, is a bit staggery - Pep thinks he may have lacked oxygen at birth (Dystocia injury) - but so far he is fine, and is managing to feed. Bracket, the dark-legged female is already the boss.

Hang on, it`s my turn

We spent yesterday fencing with a donkey. Foiled him.

Arran Grazing Hazel

The posts are from Desperfo, in Sant Marti Sapresa. They are chestnut (Castanea sativa) and are sharp and strong.

They have a big pencil sharpener