[jameslindsay]

We have just had the most horrendous thunder storm with mega heavy rain. The hens just seem to stand in it - should they not just go to their coop by themselves or do they enjoy getting wet? It was so dark and heavy rain there was no way I was going out to put them away.

[doganjo]

Surprised they stayed out in it.  Mine stay out in a shower, but go inside if it's really heavy.  Hoping to come up with Sandy tomorrow, James!

[jameslindsay]

See you tomorrow Annie - just typical that my hens are mental hee hee.

[doganjo]

Yes, I ahd heard that!  I believe Liz (Craig) says 'no more animals, James' every time she speaks to you

[jameslindsay]

I keep saying the same myself though. Now have 11 goats, 2 rabbits, 2 geese, 14 ducks, 4 ponies, 7 hens, 3 goldfish, 3 dogs and a parrot. Don't think I have missed any out. I still want a Golden Guernsey goat and may soon get another Toggenburg off Beth. There is a donkey for sale in the local paper today but I have decided No! I fell in live with the Golden Guernseys at the Fife Show and Rosie is half GG and she is gorgous too.

[doganjo]

Yes, Beth and I were chatting on Wednesday about your photos of Fred and Gizmo in the house.  'Does James realise what size they'll grow to' I asked her!  Do you?  Did you see that big lad they have - can't remember his name.  They'll be as big as that.  I'd love a pony - have always wanted one, but just don't have enough land or places to ride it.  Anyway would need an elephant to carry me lol

[jameslindsay]

Oh yes I know that they will be big boys. Rosie and Toggi are also biggies. I would happily have the field full of goats, they are such characters and I would never be without them.

[MiriMaran]

This might be a stupid question, but what do you do with your goats?  Are they for milk or do you eat them?  My OH loves goats, but I don't fancy doing milking before the school run!!

[jameslindsay]

All my animals are kept purely as pets. None of the goats need milked as they have never kidded - although R osie the 12 yr old female now needs milked since we bought the 2 boy kids. Her hormones took over and now she has udders the size of me. So, every few days I milk her and either give it to the kids or dare I say throw it away. I sell the duck and the hen eggs and can't keep up with the demand for these. All my animals have a pampered and spoilt life here and I have no shame in saying that. Feeding, vets bills and bedding costs a fortune for them all but who cares - they are all worth it. Goats are knockout pets and I really adore them - go get some!!!

[MiriMaran]

As far as possible I like my animals to pay their way and beautiful as goats are good looks doesn't put food on the table.   You never know my OH might talk me round!

[doganjo]

Sandy and I went to collect her two Aylesbury ducklings today - and James' animals are absolutely delightful (as are he and Kenny!)  The goats came running to his call, and proceeded to chew us lovlingly, my shoelaces were undone, our blouses and trousers were mouthed, and not a mark on anything - no bite marks at all.  They are happy and contented and probably know they won't appear on the extensive and delicious menu.  Thanks, James and Kenny, for a lovely lunch and an entertaining afternoon.

[jameslindsay]

Thanks Annie, you are most welcome any time.

[sandy]

Pets add to your life so the cost is no different from having any other hobby, I definatley think pets are great for your health, shame I have definatley no room for goats!!!!

[doganjo]

To get back to the topic - my hens were wringing wet this afternoon.  We went through teh torrential rain ont eh way home, James.  The it arrived here later in teh day - and I thought it would never stop.  My hens must have stayed out in it as they were 'drookit'  The ducks didn't mind, of course.  I must get a nice wee pond like you have, James.  Could you email me a photo or two of it to show my sons so they know what they are to build next 

[sandy]

I git soaked getting the Ducks into their run as I was worried they would stay out all night, I got them in eventually and hope as they grow they will go into the dry themselves, the chickens are fine in my garden as there are loads of very dry spots. I got in and had a shower and we were just out to sit and watch a film and have our tea when a guest told us water was gushing through the porch roof...so, Steve had to go out onto the flat roof and unblock the downpipe,  ::)Nice weather for Ducks aye