February 2025
Comings and goings
Spring has definitely sprung with Starlings gathering in the Sycamore Tree, V formations of birds in the air and, very pleasingly, the return of the loud whistles of the Curlews. I actually disturbed one in a wet area of our field the other day; I hope they will still consider it for a nesting spot.
Birds migrating in a V formation in the spring sky.
Beautiful Roof
The scaffolding is now down, and we’ve been getting a lot of compliments on the roof! It is a lovely roof. With scaffolding down, the lower-level roof areas are now nearly complete. The next steps are the windows, which are due to be delivered in March and, with a fair wind, could also be installed by the end of the month. The other main challenge we are trying to navigate is selecting a heat pump provider. We just had Octopus around and are waiting for their costings. It’s a Jenga puzzle at the moment; the underfloor heating needs to be there before the floors are finished, which needs to be there before the doors get installed.
House emerging from the scaffolding.
Chicken wars
Another chicken foot issue. This one was totally self-inflicted by a very silly cockerel who used our absence when we were on holiday to go and fight with his brother. The brother who is a known savage and who lives in a totally different fenced-off area. They never get out of their areas when we are around, and our neighbour, who was kindly looking after them, had to break the news when we got back. Maverick lost his middle toe as well as lots of feathers and had a rather battered comb. The toe was very swollen and sore, so he had to go to the vet to get antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Apparently, chickens have high metabolisms, so he needed twice the amount of medicine as a labrador for twice as long! That meant we had to catch him a couple of times a day for three weeks and syringe two types of medicine down his neck. Thankfully it was effective and he’s looking resplendent in the spring sun, looking after his chickens and hardly missing the toe!
The chickens are laying in force again now after a winter break.
No toe Mav.
Egg bonanza.
Leaving winter behind
The earlier rising of the sun and the return of its light have produced some beautiful early morning displays. It’s a very different experience being outside in the warming sun compared to the grey depths of winter. We’re hoping the pleasant weather continues, and by next winter, we can enjoy the scenery from indoors.
First light.
It definitely feels like things are starting to come together. As soon as some of the big points around the heating and the windows get resolved, we’ll be at least able to see the home straight on the horizon.
Thanks for reading, love from Hillside Farm x
PS Avvy had a difficult month and was out of action with a suspected back injury for a week or so. But she recovered just in time to celebrate Lou’s birthday at a local spot called The Roaches.
Pulling to The Roaches.
