Routine

This is pretty much how every morning unfolds...

We stop by the pond to feed the ducks and the fish.  Now that warmer weather has arrived, the fish are once again active.  We have had these 5 koi for as long as I can remember - a friend had put them in our pond over 20 years ago.  I wonder if they are the original koi (originally much smaller than they are now) or if they are another generation.  Regardless... they are a welcome sight each morning. During the colder months they remain in the depths of our pond - in a type of hibernation known as torpor.  In this state, their metabolism slows way down, lowering their body temperature - so much so that they don't eat.

After the pond, we head to the barn, with a stop along the way so that Jack can give Faith and Ginger their morning graham cracker treats.

Meanwhile, I walk to the barn and am greeted by Moonie and Red, who nicker when they see me - excited to know that it's time for some grazing.

Out to the pasture these two go...

Meanwhile, Ginger has now walked through the front pasture to the dry lot gate... requesting her breakfast.

I open the gate for the donkeys to have access to the front pasture, and of course, Ginger comes right into the dry lot to tell me just how starving she is!  (Ahem, Ginger - you just had a treat, so I know you aren't actually starving!) 

 Pigs lack the gene for satiety, so they are constantly hungry.

She willingly follows me back out into the front pasture where breakfast is served.

While at the barn, waterers are cleaned and refilled, manure is scooped.  The runner ducks and guineas are fed and watered as well.  Then we head up to the chicken houses to open up for the day.

Our rooster, Goose, hops up and crows his morning greeting (every day - exactly the same way)

Then he hops down and chases the hens around looking for love.  Of course, the hens are more interested in eating their scratch. 

No morning is complete without a little canoodling...

I could probably change the name of this blog to the Adventures of Pete and Forrest!

It's pretty much the same routine every morning - the ebb and flow of life on the farm.  Animals love routine.  I think it gives them a sense of security.  And so, we maintain the routine doing it in the same order each morning.  That way everyone knows what to expect.  The funny thing is - for us - it never gets old!