Day 311
Goats and pigs and ducks, oh my!
We have certainly learned a great deal from raising and caretaking for chickens. Even though there is still plenty to learn, the progress we have made and the knowledge we have acquired has piqued out interest in a way that could mean big additions to the farm.
More animals.
Initially, we felt comfortable with adding bees as they seem pretty easy to get started and somewhat easy to keep going with minimal support. They will also support the development of our prairie and produce delicious honey for our community to enjoy. Of course, we wouldn’t stop there. When the Dargatz family has an idea, it’s usually a big one. Before we know it, our farm might just be a zoo.
We already have chickens so maybe it will be a more seamless transition into other birds. We’ve heard of guinea fowl ducks, turkey, and even peacocks co-existing. Might that be a reality someday?
Or do we dive into the world of mammals?
Our son would be enamored with pigs. The previous owner had horses. I think our daughters would both be fine if we had a barn full of kittens.
My wife and I are thinking about goats. Besides just finding them cute, we know they will eat anything, including invasive species growing around the big backyard. Apparently, goat yoga is a real thing so maybe that could be a possible future business venture. They’ve also been used to make cheese, milk, and soap, so there’s some fun options. If we do get goats, I am going to push for the ones that faint.
Whatever we decide, the process will be a multi-step, multi-year process. We will need to be logical and responsible in appropriating funds and energy into new projects when we already have a number of other ideas percolating around. Our children will have to take more of a role in the caretaking process. We may have to put other ideas and aspirations on hold.
While this may mean a redesign and redevelopment of the inside and area around our barn, it would also mean a whole new chapter in the evolution of Craneview on Plainview.
