Friday, May 22, 2009

Farm Improvements


Earlier in the week I blogged about adding some cement to the alpaca areas. This is the step that I had made for the girls. I've always wanted one here 'cause it's a little scarey for newborn crias. Can you see that I had the contractors put a rough finish on it? I'm hoping that walking in and out daily, will wear down the girls' toes somewhat so that I have less trimming to do.
And this shot below is where the boys hang out. Whenever we had rain, it would flood quite a bit. No more, I hope, 'cause they raised it about 3 inches.










And here we are inside with the girls. I made them a feed trough from gutter evetroughing. Kinda cool, isn't it? I did manage to have the drill slip and I have a very black spot on my thumb nail.
They were all hesitant about eating from it, but are doing fine now. Well, except Ariana, she doesn't seem to trust that it's ok. I may have to give her a separate over the rail pan if she doesn't catch on soon.
And below is my yesterday project. There has been a rather large area of grass between the girls' pasture, on the left, and the outdoor arena, on the right. I didn't like mowing it so fenced it in. There were gates that will open so that I can let the alpacas in through here to the outdoor arena for more pasture.
I built it with 6 old metal gates that have been around for a long time. I pounded in the T posts and wired the gates to them. Hope it holds. ☺ The really good thing is that the alpacas don't challenge fencing at all.
If it sounds like I'm bragging about my projects, well, I guess I am. I am really pleased that when I get an idea, I don't have to run out and find help. I'm slow and maybe a little dangerous with the power tools but I can get stuff done. About the power tools, I really am afraid of them. The louder the noise, the bigger the fear factor from me.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maple,

What's up with the electrical fence wire above the barn door? Don't think it would keep the cats or other critters from scaling the side walls.

Dan

Gwendolyn said...

Wow it looks good! I too am proud of my projects, but only the ones for the animals. I think its part of that nurturing thing. Dave hates my projects and when I get into the power tools Too bad, I like how I do it.
G

Robin said...

I think your initiative and can do 'tude are great! Working thru the fear is courage!!

Jody said...

That looks great Maple...tidy, organized...easier for both you and the animals. If I had alpacas, thats the way I'd do it too :)

Mare said...

WOW! You got a ton of work done, all by yourself! And BIG projects too! I am so impressed!!! (PS- I hate power tools too. But they are a necessary evil...Now to go out and drill some holes in the new planters...)

ooglebloops said...

Great job!!! How did you pound those T posts in by yourself????

Michele / akkasha said...

Congrats on the great work on the projects. I think you should be bragging as it is good work.

HanamiGallery said...

good job~ it really did a lot of work. i would be tired after just doing the fencing! hahaah

Sinclair said...

That is great! I think Alpacas are a wonderful animal, and it looks like you have a very nice habitat for them there.

Mulchandmore said...

Your girls and boys look happy with their up-grades (but they had it pretty good before)
I use some power tools and am looking forward to making enough room in our garage to learn to use a wood-lathe before too many years.
from a sign I was given years ago "the best man for the job is often a woman" I'm a firm believer that there are few gender specific jobs and you are more proof!
Bev

critter Lover said...

Hey Maple! Looks GOOD! Won't it be nice for the girls to have more pasture....especially when things get more dry at the end of the summer! The metal gates worked perfectly! What a good idea! As women, we must learn to coexist with power tools...they DO make jobs much easier...it just takes practice AND remembering to recharge the darn things. Nice "Fencing" moves....ENGARD!

KnitCave said...

The projects you have undertaken look great and your alpacas sure look comfy

vtknitboy said...

power tools? drilling? wiring?! you go girl! omg! i never would have dreamt u using those words! power to(ools) ya! xoxo

Map