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Chewies!

11/25/2013

 
Miss Korie our English Shepherd pup will be one year old on January 1st. 
Wow! She's almost a dog. And she's a very active chewer. She chews like it's her day job and can unroll a rawhide chew in about 20 minutes. Nylabones last a little longer, but even they succumb to her strong jaws and teeth and become rough and jagged on the ends. 

So what's to be done? Butchershop beef knuckle bones are great, but for sure not to be enjoyed on the rug in the house. And now I learn that rawhide is actually not good for dogs that can consume it like candy--especially if its the cheap poor quality "made in China" variety where they have very little quality control. Some hounds actually experience impaction from the stuff, and surgery is required.

As it turns out, I found what could be a great alternative--100% natural deer and elk antlers all products of the USA. At first glance, they seem pricey, but if they last like the reviews say they will, they are a value in the long term. They come in different sizes, and at 40 lbs., Korie is a borderline "medium" elk antler size. However, I know she has a "large dog" mentality when it comes to chewing, so I'll be ordering up for her to make sure she can't break the smaller one or damage her molars trying to.

Amazon.com with their free shipping on orders $25 and up, no tax and delivery to my door in a timely manner with a smile on the box is my "go to" source for almost anything not in the grocery store. They continue delight with their "Chasing Our Tails" brand elk antler chewies. I'm ordering these today in the large size. I hope they are all they are supposed to be. I'll have Korie post a review. 
Chasing Our Tails Elk Rack Snack, 100-Percent All Naturally Shed Elk Antler Chew, Medium Size 5-Inch to 7-Inch, For up to 40# Dogs
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Now off to Amazon to shop for Christmas! Bandit told me she needs a heated bed.

And I Quote...

11/20/2013

 
Wow. I never knew the arrival of a cute Muscovy duck could bring about such emotions and memories! 

A couple of you posted comments, and one reader in the cold Midwest state of Wisconsin emailed me this:
I love your Muscovy story. I had them for a number of years and thought they were the greatest! Was there ever anything cuter than a Muscovy wagging its tail?
The difficulty I had was I could not keep them confined. Even with clipped wings they would climb the barnyard fence and show up at the house. So if I didn't get out to the barn in what they thought was a timely fashion someone would come up to the house and perch on the trash can outside the door and peer in to see if I was coming. They are so cool! 
Of course that is my opinion which is quite different from my husband's. He thought stepping in duck "do" en route to work, was less than cool. We're still married but the Muscovies now live with a friend.
The reader continues on with her fond memories of the personable Amelia and the drake, "Duke of Earle". And when I mention I like the name "Amelia" but had considered calling her "Ripple", I get this passionate reply!
Ripple??
Ripple sounds like a cheap wine and she is anything but cheap looking! I think your girl is elegant and beautiful, and considering she flew in from parts unknown "Amelia" would be perfect!

chocolate ripple muscovy duck

A Secret

11/19/2013

 
I admit it. I've kept something from you for far too long. 

I don't like keeping secrets. You guys are special!
And you like dogs and chickens and growing things...
welsh harlequin ducks
So tell me, which one of these waterfowl is different? 
Which one is not like the others?

There are some of you out there that know the answer. I'm sure of it.

So come on and chime in!

Read More

Fall Gardens...time to put away the flip flops

11/13/2013

 
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It's amazing how the slightest efforts over time can pay off. Or maybe I should say, sometimes. Sometimes they pay off and sometimes the damn chickens get in the garden and scratch up your carrots. Pftttt. Go figure.



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Congratulations!

11/6/2013

 
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Congratulations!!
Auntie Patch
Lori Sanchez

Each of you will be receiving a 2014 wall calendar for guessing our vacation location--Beautiful Costa Rica in Central America.

Please send me your mailing address via email to receive your gift:  kim@kelleycreekfarms.com

 

Ultimate Field Trip (part 2)

11/5/2013

 
Last week we saw birds, mushrooms, bats, a muddy river with crocodiles, more birds -- toucans, hummingbirds, birds I've never seen, etc.

Today we have this:
This is a sloth.
I didn't (couldn't) count toes so not sure which variety.
A sloth is a small furry mammal, about the size of a large raccoon, that spends most of its life in treetops of tropical rain forests where it feeds on leaves and fruits.  Kindof cute? Maybe a little creepy?
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This lovely jewel is Stephania.
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She speaks Spanish and lives at a beautiful park where she was brought as a youngster with a broken wing and hangs out pretty much wherever she wants.

 THIS is Arenal Volcano.
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Clouds on....
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Clouds off...

I could have watched the clouds on / clouds off all day. She was just lovely. Well, I have no idea if "volcano" is feminine in the Spanish language, but I guess it's a 50/50 shot.

In the rain forest, we found waterfalls,
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and tiny poisonous frogs,
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And after a beautiful day touring a rainforest and hiking the mountains,
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we ate at an outdoor taco bar. Fish tacos from fresh caught Mahi Mahi or Tuna is the answer. Not sure the question, but good fish tacos will cure what ails you.

Any more guesses?

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    Kelley Creek Farms is a small (micro really) hobby farm located in Central Alabama 30 minutes south of Birmingham. We raise heritage and rare waterfowl and poultry along with a myriad of other creatures that give the farm its life. In addition to the birds, we raise heirloom tomatoes and vegetables.

    Each day is different and brings a new set of adventures. Some make you laugh and some make you cry. Some are just plain frustrating. But we persevere knowing that tomorrow's set of problems will be completely different than today. Still figuring all this out ....one day at a time and striving for a more sustainable way of life.

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