The 10 little ducklings who hatched 3 weeks ago are going from strength to strength. Growing in size and eating us out of house and home. Today they will be taking their first steps into the big wide world from their safe haven of the stall in the barn. They are already trying to follow us out of their enclosure now. They are wonderful to watch. We will soon be taking the lamp away and mixing them in with the rest of them.

Meanwhile, the chicks and ducklings we moved out of the “nursery” 2 weeks ago are also thriving. The chicks are of a size they couldn’t be classed as chicks any longer and the ducklings – well, they are a force to be reckoned with. So much so, we have called them the SAS. They go around in a little pack, marching out across the fields and leading the other ducks and hens astray. They have worked out where we live and are almost knocking on our door if we don’t come out when they are ready to go to bed/have their evening meal! Georgie – the duckling we brought in with us for a few weeks when they were younger - she is the ringleader!! She now has one webbed foot in each camp – she leads her little motley crew but whenever we are near her, she will come up and tug at our leg to get our attention, letting us know she is there and will happily be picked up for a cuddle!

The rest of the animals are all doing well – the bunnies (Boudica & Chester) and guinea pigs (Salt & Pepper) are all settled and happy; the goats (Denbar & May) are still as stubborn as ever; and the horses are great. The horses and pony are owned by nearby neighbours but we will be having more to do with them as the nights draw in, and will also be helping with training the little Shetland – Luna – to pull a little cart.

So, all exciting here with our extended animal family.

Sue & Barrie