What it’s like to farm-sit

We’ve all heard of babysitting and dog-sitting, but have you heard of farm-sitting? Before we moved to New England and started a farm, I never thought about the fact that farmers need vacation too. But with all their animals, farmers find it tricky to leave the farm.

We have a couple families at church that have helped us with our farm when if we have to leave, and in return, we watch their animals when they go away.

We’ve watched 4 different families’ pets in our town, and it’s always a blast. It’s great because you get to spend time with other animals besides the ones you see on a daily basis.

This week we’re farm-sitting for a neighbor. It’s our first time taking care of their animals. They have two dogs, three cows, four pigs, and a momma goat with two-week-old kids.

It’s true when people say goats try to eat EVERYTHING.

Feeding them dinner

 

The only thing is–the momma goat had rejected her babies a couple days after their birth, so we have to bottle feed them. (How could anyone reject such cuteness?) But we’re ok with that, because that means they get to stay at our house. So we get to play with two cuddly (yet rambunctious) baby goats.

Sleeping after a long day exploring.

These cuties never stop running and climbing. And no matter how many times they tumble down, they always get back up. After all that jumping, they get tired. If we’re lucky, they fall asleep on us.

The fresh, just-squeezed milk.

We milk the babies’ momma in the morning and evening. I never knew how satisfying milking a goat would be. And after milking her the past few days, I’m even more anxious for Scout (our pregnant cow) to give birth! But I know after a couple weeks of milking Scout two times a day, it’ll get tiring.

Lilly

Cole wanted to help us milk the goat.

See how stinkin cute he is?

We’re also taking care of their adorably sweet dogs, Cole and Lilly. Cole loves his ball; he carries it with him everywhere. Eagerly, he drops it by our feet and just waits patiently for us to throw it for him.

Lily reminds me of Maggie, our dog who loves a visit from guests. And Cole reminds me of Bixby, our calm but playful one.

So in the end, farm-sitting always has its perks, like playing with adorable puppies and baby goats. And when we go away next, we have friends who will be more than willing to help out with our animals.

See? Farmers can go on vacations.

What do you think would be the best part of farm-sitting?

♥Hayley

P.S. Also, make sure to check out my brand-new Instagram account so you can stay updated on the happenings around our farm!

And of course, I still have my Facebook, if it works better for you to follow me over there.

P.P.S. I got my braces off last week! After two years! Do you guys want me to write a post about braces and what it’s like?

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