Raising Geese

If you are new to geese and would like to learn more about what is involved in their care, Grit has a good article with the basics.

Damage

This is what I woke up to this morning.  A huge old tree fell from the winds on the back side of tropical storm Colin.  The main trunk fell between two of the goose pens and stretches across the paddock to the chicken coops.  Remarkably, all the geese and chickens are alive.

I found my geese in that one little corner of their pen that was not crushed.  They were smart and fast to be alive this morning.

At this point I am thankful that all my birds are alive, but overwhelmed.  I have no idea where the geese will go tonight.  I cannot get to the chickens.  I am in my 60's, disabled and I don't have the a chain saw.  I ask for your prayers as I try to figure things out.

Tropical Storm Colin

I spent the last couple of days preparing for tropical storm Colin.  Fortunately it was not a strong storm, and we have received less rain than we expected.  I have been able to do farm chores between the rain bands.  Although I am close to the coast, I am far enough inland that I was not affected by the storm surge that has caused flooding in other areas.

The geese were disappointed to stay in their pens today, but even the heaviest of the geese can fly with a good wind, and I wanted to avoid injuries if they had a rough landing.

The back side of the storm will go through tonight, and tomorrow I will be able to assess any clean-up work that needs to be done, and change all the bedding in the pens that is now thoroughly soaked.

My father was Commanding Officer of the Hurricane Hunters when I was a child, so I grew up hearing about barometric pressure and wind speed.  My dad also taught me how important it was to be prepared before the hurricane arrives.

I suggest you review the following sites if you live in a coastal area vulnerable to hurricanes:

• Hurricane Preparation Overview
• Hurricane Supply List
• First Aid Kit
• Food Preparation
• Farm/Animal Preparation

Slow Food Ark of Taste

On their website, the Slow Food Ark of Taste defines their mission:

The Ark of Taste is a tool for farmers, ranchers, fishers, chefs, grocers, educators and consumers to seek out and celebrate our country's diverse biological, cultural and culinary heritage.

This is a tool that we should all be using, whether we are growing and raising our own food, or supporting those who do.  They have already tested the old heirlooms and heritage breeds for their culinary appeal.  If they recommend it, you can be fairly certain it is good to eat.

I am currently using their search tool to find some new varieties for my garden.  I encourage you to use it too.

Here are some of their recommended varieties:

at Nature and Nurture Seeds

at Baker Creek

at Seed Savers

at Sustainable Seed

at Terroir Seeds

at Victory Seeds

New Cotton Patch Line

A friend sent some Cotton Patch eggs from her line.  They hatched May 24, 2016.  They are from different pens, so they will add some much needed diversity to my geese.