Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Settling in


There has been so much going on around here since the rescue llamas and my new donkey, Chester, arrived here on Critter Farm a little over a week ago. Non-stop activity and excitement seem to have become the norm, which makes me smile a lot.

The rescue llamas, Dolly, Toni and Kai, have acclimated to their new home very nicely:

Chester the donkey delights everyone he meets with his friendliness and good nature. Here he is meeting my mom for the first time:

Pete and Reggie gave Chester the usual warm welcome that they extend to all farm newcomers. Chester's a little short, so he has to really stretch to see the little pip squeaks over the stall door:

Roxy isn't quite sure what to think about all the big, breathing things in her barn:

My pal, Marcee, arrived last Wednesday (pictured here at the airport with my son, Teagan). She has come to help around the farm:

I wasted no time putting her to work.

But she was ready for this. She bought new farm boots specifically for this purpose:

She was a little put out that I gave her llama duty, but I'm sure she'll get over it:

Kidding. One of Marcee's biggest dreams is to have a few llamas of her own some day soon:

It hasn't been entirely about the llamas, though. Marcee and Chester have managed to have some good bonding time:

It didn't hurt that Marcee knew that the way to a donk's heart is through a really good butt scratch:

The llamas were fascinated. "Hey look, the pushy, brown thing is letting the two-legged, short girl touch him. Hmmmmmmmmm.":

Lots of nervous excitement has centered around introducing the llama ladies and Chester.

Would they get along?

Chester has been quite intrigued. He has enjoyed walking back and forth past the llama stall and peering in. The llamas have not appreciated this much:

Up until now, during pasture time, donkey and llamas have been kept separate:

There has been a lot of mutual staring, though. Chester clearly couldn't wait to get closer:

However, Dolly, Toni and Kai were completely satisfied keeping the fence between him and them and watching him from afar:

Chester's a persistent guy, however, and all this time, he has been working on his plan on how to introduce himself:

So don't worry...:

He won't be alone for long:
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20 comments:

  1. AJ-OAKSNovember 17, 2009 at 4:20 PM

    You have been a busy gal! Love Marcee's boots! Chester is quite the character. That is such a cute pic of him peering over to look at Reggie and Pete.

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  2. basicliving@backtobasicliving.comNovember 17, 2009 at 4:31 PM

    I gotta tell you, that picture of Marcee grinning ear to ear with three llamas surrounding her made me smile - really big! I love that picture. And I have never really though much of donkeys one way or the other, but that dang Chester is SOOOO cute! That's the cutest donkey ever. EVER. The llamas are so pretty - and I just know they are going to fall in love with Chester. Roxy, the farm dog, has her hands full now. And look at Marcee's new farm boots! Hey - do we get to see any pictures of the two of you together?

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  3. Dog Trot FarmNovember 17, 2009 at 4:42 PM

    What a wonderful way to start the morning, llamas and a donkey. I'm taking notes, my fields are just waiting for some critter activity.

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  4. MarigoldNovember 17, 2009 at 4:45 PM

    Hey. At least they don't butt, Chester. They might, however, steal Peanuts. You never know so best to remain alert just in case. By the way, are these llama girls visiting or there to stay???

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  5. MelNovember 17, 2009 at 4:52 PM

    Aww, poor Chester, all he want s is to be friends.

    Be careful what you ask for, my dear Chester, did you know those Llama's can spit?

    Yes, it's true, my brother-in-law was on a trip with us in Alaska, where we took a boat to a remote island, there we found a pasture with a few llama's (looked a lot like yours)when brother P tried to be friendly and say hello the llama's greeted him by spitting on him.

    So, you want to be real sure when you rein them in wear safety glasses...

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  6. Farmer JenNovember 17, 2009 at 5:12 PM

    Great photos! Good that you put Marcee to work. She likes that.

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  7. the7msnNovember 17, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    I am so in love with Chester already. Could he be more curious about those llamas? I don't think so. I appreciate the nervous excitement you're going through as they get to know each other. I about died of anxiety the first time I put the burros in with my horses. As long as everybody has plenty of room to get out of each other's way as necessary, they'll do just fine.

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  8. SarahNovember 17, 2009 at 5:32 PM

    Busy indeed!

    I love Chester! He's got a sweet face.

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  9. DianeNovember 17, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    This is K! I love the pics of Chester and Dolly, Toni, and Kai! Roxy is, of course, adorable. Tell M that I really want some of those farm boots. They're so cute! I can't wait till she gets home. Love from K

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  10. CaliforniaGrammyNovember 17, 2009 at 6:03 PM

    Marcee and donkey-butt scratching just go hand in hand, eh? How fun to have your buddy helping out with the new critters. I can just picture the smile on your face, Danni.

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  11. AnonymousNovember 17, 2009 at 6:10 PM

    OH new pictures of your critters!!!! YEAH! :) Huge smile here. Poor Chester, he looks so lonely in the woods there... Oooh I wish I could have llama duty... they're so cute!

    Thanks for the update.

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  12. Rural WriterNovember 17, 2009 at 8:52 PM

    You certainly sound busy at your place, but in a fun way! Love the pics of all your new critters. Hope Chester and the llamas learn to love each other. ;-)

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  13. Nancy M.November 17, 2009 at 9:48 PM

    You've got the coolest assortment of animals at your place! I hope they all get along well!

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  14. CathyNovember 18, 2009 at 3:58 AM

    Thanks for always putting a smile on my face! Can I come and visit?!?

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  15. EveNovember 18, 2009 at 4:40 AM

    Julie's taking notes Danni!!! Ha Ha I love this! I can't wait to see how it all turns out...oh the pressure!
    I have a feeling everyone will get along just fine!

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  16. GreyWolfNovember 18, 2009 at 5:37 AM

    I was wondering how long it would take Marcee to visit after you got the llamas. But it sure didn't take very long after you got Chester. I think she secretly likes donkeys more. I hope you all have a wonderful visit.

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  17. sugarcreekstuffNovember 18, 2009 at 6:27 AM

    "He won't be alone for long:"
    Hmmmm... another donkey perhaps?

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  18. farmladyNovember 18, 2009 at 2:42 PM

    Looks like you have someone( the girl with the cute boots) taking care of the Llamas...., but just let me know if Chester needs a companion. Oh, he is a handsome boy.

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  19. frugalmomNovember 18, 2009 at 8:16 PM

    Wow! Those are some really cute boots. If I do say so myself.

    I heart llamas...and donkeys..:-)

    And I am so super happy that I got to meet the new critters. They are all so very sweet. I love how Chester just likes you to be there by his side...reminds me of a little boy I know.

    I was in total heaven when I got to hold all three llamas on the leads...sigh. Im gonna miss those girls. And Of course, Chester,too.

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  20. Carolynn AnctilNovember 20, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    I want to move in too. Is there room in the barn for me?

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