tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post2191613679253449990..comments2023-06-28T21:53:24.312-07:00Comments on On the way to Critter Farm...: My romantic life on the farmDannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12623233206043947281noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-38292770729627188502010-04-02T05:15:19.336-07:002010-04-02T05:15:19.336-07:00Hi Danni-
Lisa from Laughing Orca sent me over. So...Hi Danni-<br />Lisa from Laughing Orca sent me over. Sounds like you have your hands full! But, you are handling things well and with style.<br /><br />I'm an equine hoof care provider. Lisa sent me over to take a look at your donkey's hooves, and see if we had any suggestions. <br /><br />First, the bottom (or solar) view shows that your sweet Donk needs a good balanced trim. Most of what you see is normal growth, that went a good bit too long with out trimming. The second picture is something that is common in donkeys- the outer wall broke away, (not always a bad thing), and revealed the inner wall. The black you see there, if it has a rather... umm.. interesting aroma, will be an invasive bacterium. Best treatment? Do not wrap- allow light and air to get to the area. Wrapping provides the darkness and moisture it needs to continue to infect the hoof. <br /><br />I could go on about what a trim would involve, but I don't want to overwhelm you or hijack anything. Please though, feel free to email (swequine@yahoo.com)me with any questions, or stop over at my blog. There my husband and I have quite a bit of information written on the equine hoof that may help ease your worries.<br /><br />If we were on the same coast, we'd be there to trim for you, however, we are all the way out in Savannah GA... and I haven't fixed my teleporter yet! ;)<br /><br />Breathe deep- hang in there, and keep on keeping on.Mrs. Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15269132012512166439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-56190352874628354372010-03-30T12:16:55.489-07:002010-03-30T12:16:55.489-07:00I am also a city girl who traded her heels in for ...I am also a city girl who traded her heels in for a small organic farm and now lives with a pack of rescued dogs, goats, and chickens.<br />Some days I am the same way-one vet emergency after another. We have struggled with bloody heads, peeling hooves, and fungal stuff(which is what your llama problem looks like to me).<br />We just emerged from our latest adventure involving the banding of our brand new baby goat-he didn't take it too well. <br />But, it's all worth it in the end. I would never, ever go back to city living. Ever.sunset pines farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04826327863570459271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-7905267732900118362010-03-29T16:30:44.366-07:002010-03-29T16:30:44.366-07:00Hi Danni: I loved living on a farm in Bismarck ND,...Hi Danni: I loved living on a farm in Bismarck ND, and soon became aware of the not-so-romantic side when I had to do in a few chicks that were being picked on, and were too hurt to continue. However, this doesn't deter me from now wanting a farm of my own again. I don't see you as being too romantic or unrealistic. I check your blog each day, and love following your life in the country. Keep up the good work, and keep on loving your animals.Kathy's Musingshttp://countrykathyinky.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-21757762658181195382010-03-28T15:59:37.111-07:002010-03-28T15:59:37.111-07:00Danni, you certainly have your hand's full. I ...Danni, you certainly have your hand's full. I hope everyone is on the mend there at Criter Farm. You are my inspiration and I think of you when it comes to my animal's well being. I think to myself "what would Danni do"? Winslow still is not over his kennel cough, Emma endures seizures and the girl's are still hen pecking. One needs a strong constitution to be a farmer! Blessings to you.Dog Trot Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10613054262731973539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-32325991950400334142010-03-28T14:35:47.937-07:002010-03-28T14:35:47.937-07:00Oh dear, I don't know which antibiotic it was....Oh dear, I don't know which antibiotic it was. The vet gave it when he was out here to look at Hazel again after the skin tests were negative. All I do know is that it was a one-shot IM antibiotic - we didn't have to re-administer. That makes me think either Pen-G or Liquimycin. I hope someone else might have a good guess, or if you tell your vet it was a one-shot deal, maybe she will have a good idea.Claire MWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02603169881463831299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-22224330984778234172010-03-27T21:51:17.986-07:002010-03-27T21:51:17.986-07:00Wow. I am totally late to this party, but it appe...Wow. I am totally late to this party, but it appears that you have been given some great suggestions. <br />Poor Reggie...it breaks my heart to see those pics of him with his little head all banged up like that. But how great was that that Dr Sarah was driving by at the exact moment that you were experiencing this moment with Reggie. <br />I have to agree...life on the farm isnt all flowers and rainbows....not that I have a farm of my own yet...but Ive worked on your farm and altho it does have lots of pretty flowers and Ive even had the opportunity to see a beautiful rainbow while I was there....theres a whole lot of hard work and crazy situations that can arise over there. <br />BUT, everyone at Critter Farm is in the best of hands with you as their mama. And they totally love you for all you do for them. :-)frugalmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03013856124264535872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-85494036796076081442010-03-27T15:05:56.989-07:002010-03-27T15:05:56.989-07:00You are welcome - I'd also look into copper fo...You are welcome - I'd also look into copper for that foot problem with your Donkey...Linda Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16875718412873470143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-70891528611894582852010-03-27T12:32:40.062-07:002010-03-27T12:32:40.062-07:00Hi Linda! Thank you for your comments. I do not t...Hi Linda! Thank you for your comments. I do not take your comments to be pushy or overbearing - I read you as someone with experience offering their opinion. I tend to be the type of person who goes with the simplest solution first. Mineral deficiencies boggle my mind because, really, where does one start in trying to identify which mineral an animal is deficient in? The llama forums that I read mention zinc deficiences frequently, but treatment is lengthy and skin recovery sometimes never happens. <br />The idea behind the iodine and betadine washes is that it puportedly kills any mild fungus, bacterial infection or ringworm. Sunshine kills ringworm, too, but we've not had much of that recently.<br />I'll definitely look into kelp supplements and iodine deficiencies in llamas. If I could just get a firm diagnosis, that would be 90% of the battle in my mind. (thanks again)Dannihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12623233206043947281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-30222081720169765652010-03-27T12:10:41.344-07:002010-03-27T12:10:41.344-07:00I enjoy your blog as well Farmgirl!
Regarding the...I enjoy your blog as well Farmgirl!<br /><br />Regarding the minerals - sometimes even though they are giving minerals it is not enough... the requirement for minerals are going up all the time because deficiencies in our soil and feed. Dry skin skin problems are often caused my a shortage of iodine and a shortage of iodine also caused the other minerals to not be utilized properly... I'm not trying to tell you what to do or how to do it, but IF nothing else is working, what I have said may be of interest to you and your vet... an idea would be to offer the animals, if you aren't already, kelp granules free choice for a bit and see what happens. Claire's comment about the iodine shampoo also made me look this up.<br /><br />I often feel like when I say things like this that I am being pushy or overbearing, I honestly am just trying to help.Linda Foleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16875718412873470143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-72972829289359578972010-03-27T11:46:46.194-07:002010-03-27T11:46:46.194-07:00Thank you for all the support, wise words, and adv...Thank you for all the support, wise words, and advice! <br />I really love my blogging community. I hope that I can (and do) give each of you the support you constantly seem to provide for me.<br />♥ ♥ ♥<br /> <br />Regarding the llamas, they receive a daily mineral supplement, have been wormed and treated for external parasites, been washed with Betadine and have had a product called Nu-Stock applied to their backs that supposedly treats rain rot, mange, as well as non-specific dermatoses and hair loss. <br /> <br />To:<br /> <br />Christy - I've been told that worry is the most useless emotion there is because it does nothing productive, yet how to we stop it? Good luck with your sheep, I didn't realize you can't catch them. This does make shearing difficult - even if you did know how to do it. :-)<br /> <br />Barbara - thank you for keeping me in mind and coming back with further thoughts!!!! I will look into tea tree oil. I have Ivomec injectible but not a drench. Really appreciate your problem-solving with me!<br /> <br />Paula - Corn meal, huh? I'll look into that. I have used agricultural grade DE (diatomaceous earth) regularly in the chicken coop and goat house, sprinkling it on roosts, nest boxes, the coop and goat house floors. It works wonders controlling flies in the summer and I'm pretty sure this is why I've never had mites in my coop or on my chickens. People also say it works great for worms and internal parasites, but I discount this totally because, as you said, once it becomes wet it becomes ineffective. I guess I could try sprinkling it on the llamas - they'd much prefer that to the nasty cream I've been rubbing onto their backs! lol<br /> <br />Texan - what are you using the Listerine for? I've heard this somewhere before but I don't recall how it was applied. As a disinfectant? I know doctors formerly used this as an antiseptic, right?<br /> <br />Robin - I can totally "hear" you saying this - you have been my personal dose of reality for a long time now. I guess I'm in the right spot because, though it pains me for the critters, I'm totally ok with various animal body fluids running down my leg. lol<br /> <br />Ok, Claire.... your comment really got my attention. You are the first person I've found who has had llamas with exact symptoms to what mine have. My vet said exactly what you said, any skin samples taken are turning up with NOTHING! I've washed them down with Betadine scrub and coated them with Nu-Stock, but what kind of antibiotics did you give them? That's definitely worth a try.Dannihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12623233206043947281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-10459149623047063862010-03-27T06:55:21.952-07:002010-03-27T06:55:21.952-07:00My mother, who reads your blog, let me know about ...My mother, who reads your blog, let me know about your llama pictures, because she remembered that we had precisely the same condition on our Hazel last year. I came right away to comment. Hazel lost most of the hair down her spine and her skin was flakey and strange looking, and even had tiny spots that would bleed. She did not lose hair elsewhere - just on her spine and a little at the base of her neck, on the back. Our vet took skin samples and nothing showed up in the way of external parasites. We ended up giving an antibiotic shot, in case it was a bacterial infection, and also washing with an iodine shampoo that was available through the vet. Tremendous change. The bleeding stopped and her hair began to grow back after about 2 weeks. She is now completely back to normal although strangely, the hair that grew back is a slightly different color that what was already there. Anyway, I wanted to let you know in case that would be helpful.Claire MWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02603169881463831299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-92182876869584551122010-03-26T19:48:06.146-07:002010-03-26T19:48:06.146-07:00What a great post...and what a great person I can ...What a great post...and what a great person I can tell you are. I enjoy your blog very much...esp this heartfelt post:)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03648506682662484397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-50744168089542548852010-03-26T18:11:15.345-07:002010-03-26T18:11:15.345-07:00Me again, Looking at your supplies in the top pict...Me again, Looking at your supplies in the top picture and my suggestion for a couple of supplies to add is Tea Tree Oil and Ivermectin Drench. The Drench is applied several drops onto the back of the neck for parasites and such on the skin. Ask you Vet what she thinks. Both can be purchased at a farm supply store.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-49626003513691138262010-03-26T14:28:20.605-07:002010-03-26T14:28:20.605-07:00You are doing a great job for these critters!! I ...You are doing a great job for these critters!! I am sending you a huge hug - and hopes that you have a good sleep tonight. I love that you have shown us the rough and tumble side of what you are doing! Hugs, Mmakadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04750612213316802370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-37601654746193388922010-03-26T07:26:00.860-07:002010-03-26T07:26:00.860-07:00It's always to see all sides of farming even w...It's <b>always</b> to see all sides of farming even when it's unpleasant. A woman once commented about this being such a romantic way to live. She'd been unrealistic in her fantasy of farm life from the time she got out of her car. After a while I thought it was time for a reality check. Her eyes nearly bulged to her chin when I said, "There's nothing romantic about shit running down your leg, and that's the reality of livestock." She had no idea such a horrible thing could happen.<br /><br />Veg farming isn't pretty sundresses with a dainty basket to pick a few veggies every day. Hot, sweaty, muddy, disease. I don't think she became a farmer.<br /><br />Thanks for showing us reality!Robinhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Maine-ME/Seasons-Eatings-Farm/216695871520?ref=tsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-55292337283768089522010-03-25T14:09:25.812-07:002010-03-25T14:09:25.812-07:00I can understand all of the emotions you feel for ...I can understand all of the emotions you feel for your animals. I worry for my animals when they are ill or injured too. I also feel satisfaction knowing that I have done everything that I can to help them to have meaningful lives without any unnecessary suffering. I realize that sharing how we get through these issues on our blogs is very helpful. Thank you for sharing.Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15976416338706426809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-25781719689501220422010-03-25T07:25:37.354-07:002010-03-25T07:25:37.354-07:00Mercy yes there is worry and work and and ... but ...Mercy yes there is worry and work and and ... but its worth it huh :O)...<br /><br />The first year we had goats, oh my gosh it was awful! One medical crisis after another! But we have learned a lot regrouped, redirectioned our herd and its been so much better.<br /><br />Listerine and Neosporin ointment are my best friends with the goaties :O)...well and Ivermecitn their wormer :O)... <br /><br />and as far as the gardening goes, I always say I would love to raise everything we eat and I would, but if we only had what I am successful at raising to live on honeyman and I would be so skinny you couldn't see us when we turned sideways! Gardening in Texas as most places comes with its own unique problems. But I enjoy gardening, so yep I do it. Though I can get mighty frustrated at times LOL. <br /><br />I am hopeful that as each year goes by we learn more and more and are able to head off problems before they happen :O)Texanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14560812716080117867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-30526568140561375552010-03-25T06:17:14.595-07:002010-03-25T06:17:14.595-07:00Poor Reggie - I'm sure he felt much better aft...Poor Reggie - I'm sure he felt much better after your comforting arms were around him and I hope your animals heal quickly!Cathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03752089488950374391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-84832298505121509392010-03-25T06:15:35.195-07:002010-03-25T06:15:35.195-07:00Oh you are a great critter Mom for sure. Thanks f...Oh you are a great critter Mom for sure. Thanks for another perspective of your romatic life. I must say you give this gal stuck in a glass building something to dream & smile about daily!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-63846760445040619092010-03-25T06:06:57.387-07:002010-03-25T06:06:57.387-07:00Aw, Danni, I'm so sorry you are going through ...Aw, Danni, I'm so sorry you are going through such a difficult and stressful time with your critters. You really are a good critter mama and take good such good care of them. These types of things happen with livestock - I'm just sorry they seem to all happen at the same danged time to you! Please let us know what the vet said. <br /><br />Amazing how much room critters take up in a heart :) And if I had back every hour of sleep I've lost over mine, I'd be Rip Van Winkle. I'm hoping to finally get a good night's sleep tonight.... I hope your vet was able to calm your fears and that you slept soundly as well.(((hugs)))basicliving@backtobasicliving.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07782631124134813311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-63347036701720460672010-03-25T04:58:32.566-07:002010-03-25T04:58:32.566-07:00I totally hear ya, but you are doing an awesome jo...I totally hear ya, but you are doing an awesome job taking care of all your critters, they are well loved and the ailment well stuff just happens, just like with us humans. And you are doing everything you can to make them better and that's all you can do. I know how much it hurts to watch them like that but you will get them back on track and it's like you said you learn something new every day. I find it so different going to the Donkey Sanctuary as a volunteer as to a visitor, yes I knew all these donkeys had their history, but you don't see what tender loving care has to go into it, how many ailments that there are, that the average visitor not knows about or sees, and like you I am a worrier and they are not even my animals, but it breaks my heart to hear at every day I am there who got what this week. It is a lot of hard work and I totally admire what you do, keep it up, you are a great momma to all your critters. Things will get better too , once the warmer weather comes...Tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05499341881273434041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-73940465410178352572010-03-25T04:55:35.979-07:002010-03-25T04:55:35.979-07:00I know what youre going through Danni. Although I&...I know what youre going through Danni. Although I'm not living it, I've spent many a day on my best buds farm. (oh and I always seem to hide sweet Daisy Lu's dirty face!!) You are a great critter farmer and we all know life on the farm is not romatic at times. Hardly ever! Get some sleep...you're the best!Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06554593974838511759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-33687551528028150092010-03-24T21:33:22.713-07:002010-03-24T21:33:22.713-07:00Hi Danni-
I'm going to guess on the llamas&#...Hi Danni- <br /><br />I'm going to guess on the llamas' skin problem that it might be fungal. make a compress or wash of corn meal and warm to hot water and apply. They think that there are enzymes in the corn that get activated by the hot water that eat fungus. All I know is that it works on roses, and it worked on my toenail fungus- no lie.<br /><br />If it's mites or some kind of small insect, get some Diatomeceous Earth, which is inert. You can get the food grade version (the other is used in swimming pools), and rub that into their fur. Great for flea control as well.<br /><br />Both are completely safe and don't involve drugs. I off these as something to try first before getting the vet involved. The DE is useful to rub in your dog's fur and leave around for ants and other insect critters. Diatoms are microscopic water-borne animals, whose skeletons are super sharp and cut up insects' exoskeletons, and then they dry out and die. It's great stuff- the only drawback is that you have to reapply after it rains or gets wet. <br /><br />Hope this helps- PaulaPaulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16171802310115844104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-1747385733080210062010-03-24T21:04:03.119-07:002010-03-24T21:04:03.119-07:00Danni,you are a wonderful critter mom. Loved the s...Danni,you are a wonderful critter mom. Loved the shot of Reggie running back to Pete. I'm constantly full of questions when our pets see the vet. Thank goodness she is patient and good at explaining things.kippyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11715389823789274487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845299642721912499.post-39938372309907990042010-03-24T21:02:36.997-07:002010-03-24T21:02:36.997-07:00What a true post and one I feel close to my heart....What a true post and one I feel close to my heart.<br />I stress ALWAYS about the crew here. I feel jinxed if I don't. but the feeling you describe when you step outside...Now that makes it all worth it! There is always something, but I find a solution eventually and chalk one up for getting wiser. I love my life and my place. Then it IS all about Romance if you ask me!DebHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05062114482783994620noreply@blogger.com