So today we tattooed the ears of the goat kids. I hope this is the last time we will have to do this because it is hard to listen to them cry. But it is a federal requirement so we do it. Notice they all have green ears but recovered well. They also got their shots and coccidiosis treatment.
We also did goat hooves today so we are worn out. Yesterday Tom noticed one of our Satin Angora does had a raw spot on her butt that had become infested with maggots. It had not been apparent before under her wool. He cleaned them out and put wound protectant on but she died anyway. Then today two chicks fell out of a nest in our feed shed. I was trying to figure out how to put them back in the nest when I accidentally stepped on one. It took a couple of gasping breaths and died. It really made me cry. It was only a starling though so I should not have been trying to save it, but it was so vulnerable. The other one I was able to return to the nest, and it has stayed there through the day.
So once again, successes and failures on the farm.
Starlings actually eat an incredible amount of insect pests, so are very beneficial birds, introduced species or not. Glad you were able to save one. If you ever want a fascinating read, check out “Arnie, the Darling Starling.” True story!
Thanks Michelle! The starlings eat A LOT of our chicken food so we do not like them so much. But not enough to kill their chicks. Even Tom did not kill them when we found the nest.
Starlings are evil…
Not evil, just can be annoying.
Love your compassion Donna. I once saved a starling that had fallen from a nest. We helped him until he was able to go out on his own.
Thanks Vicki! How did you save him?