A New Guard for the Chickens...Watch OUT Mr. Fox

Emmy, the English Shepherd is now on patrol! Well, she is in TRAINING to be on patrol, but showing great promise. She is just a pup now, but already springs to action if anything seems the least bit unusual. English Shepherds are a very old farm dog breed, and perfect to guard the hens from those pesky fox, coyote,raccoon, and the WORSE of all...the HAWKS! She is so smart, already walking at heel,understanding "let's go EAT", and "walk through" (going through gates/doors"). I don't think I have ever had a pup catch on so quickly! The hens are just starting to accept her. At first they were VERY suspicious, not sure if she was a strange dog, or a funny looking fox, or what! The roosters sent out warning calls, and the hens ran for cover. They are getting over this after many walks in the pasture. Emmy looks at the hens, but shows no interest in chancing them. It will be a while before she is ready to solo this duty. I have added a link, in case you want to read more about the English Shepherd livestock guard.

Calum likes her, and has been a very good influence, with his gentlemanly manners (except for his recent embarrassing incident,when he ate a ENTIRE huge "highly digestible (thank goodness!) extra large nylabone!!) He would not look me in the eye! That's the last time I will have anything like that around! I was shocked! So unlike him!

The High Ground Farm Newsletter will be coming out soon. Let me know if you would like to be added to the list! A lot is going on here, so this is a way for folks to keep up with available produce, chick hatches, TOURS, COOKING CLASSES and new ART available for sell.

The "Henside the Beltline Tour d'Coop" is this Saturday, May 21. This is a gala spring event featuring beautiful chicken coops in Raleigh. Many are unexpectedly beautiful in gorgeous gardens. I am so glad folks are catching on to the joys of keeping chickens! They are wonderful to watch...calming, and sweet as they peck, and scratch. Check the website, and plan to come out. I just love this tour!