The family joke is that there is always a circus going on at our House. Who would not think so with 2 cats, 6 dogs, 7 goats, numerous rabbits and chickens, Oh and lest we forget one farrot and a turkey. Yes, we live on almost 2 acres and there is always something happening. The animals keep us entertained. We have the welcoming committee of Flower and his mother Nina Sal, Two dogs that refuse to be restrained. Then everyone else must add their voice to the welcome home. All are eager for a petting and supper. Each also has their own way of saying hello. Matter a big black mongrel hates the cats and always raises a fuss when Chico the male calico decides to come in for the night and his supper. Chico will sit at the back door and meow until you let him in. His voice gets more strident the longer he has to wait. He also will give lessons in persistence as he will meow until he gets what he wants.
All of my animals serve several functions! The dogs are our doorbell and the security system. Even though most are chained to an area strategically placed around the yard, no one is going to drive into the driveway without a ruckus happening. Not many people are brave enough to get out of their cars when we are home. Not only do the dogs raise a ruckus, they start jumping and moving about. I'm not sure they would or would not bite someone but I do pay attention to how they respond to whoever is coming into the yard.
The cats are mousers and vermin killers. If you think living in the north high desert is good, then so do the mice and other reptiles, especially lizards and bull snakes. Jerry Girl who resides in the house 99% of the time, loves to present us with her headless catches. Her current favorite place is the middle of the bed. My husband has decided that is better than stepping on them with his bare feet in the middle of the night. If you want to know where the mice are just watch as she sits on the washing machine looking over the back, or under the kitchen sink. As you watch she will come out with a mouse and you will think it dead until she drops it and begins to play. So even if all she and Chico do is keep the mice under control and mostly out of the house they earn their keep.
The poultry and rabbits supply us with meat and eggs. As we eat a 1/2 dozen eggs a morning it is great to always have them on hand. The cost depends on how one looks at it. The chickens are great time keepers. If you are not on your way to the chicken yard to feed them by 5 o'clock they will filter out of the yard and toward the house to let you know it is supper time. They also like to let you know that they day is good by crowing and clucking at you. Lord do not get in the way of a hen and her chicks, That can be disastrous if not a little scary.
The rabbits also are time keepers. All are kept in a barn built for them. The manure is shoveled out to the 'want to be garden area', especially in the fall and right before monsoon season to help the ground. Add a few coffee grounds and water and here comes the worms. Great for growing things.
The goats are for meat and milk. These guys all have a higharchy that must be recognized and dealt with. Do not speak to them unless you speak in order of who is in charge. Another words one must speak and acknowledge Negra and Gris before talking or scratching Letche or Bounita or Little Mom. Negra who is Queen of the herd will butt her way to you and knock whoever sailing until she has her attention. Even the two young billies have one over the other. The Billy's are getting close to going into the freezer soon.
Now, you have been introduced to most of the circus players. I will tell you more of thier activities in the weeks to come.
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