Here is our first contestant, with a unique collage of feathers collected right out of the peacock enclosure today.
JOSHUA, AGE 11
photo by Chris Rinehart of son Ben who named the photo
“I’ll be seeing you at Winterpast Farm!”
Entry by Beth Myslinski Campbell
A few weeks ago Farmer Mary was made a gift of three female donkeys. they are exceedingly friendly and love living at a petting zoo where hugs and apple slices are just about a daily occurrence!
They are three shades of gray to dark brown and the other day a mom (former vet tech) informed Farmer Mary that the largest looked pregnant to her. So, Farmer Mary has been reading up on donkey pregnancy and birth. Did you know they often have twins?
Well, today while on a farm tour of the back pasture Farmer Mary noticed that the largest donkeys teats are suddenly filled with milk! back to research… See below
Donkeys, unlike horses can have a gestation period of a year-13 months. It is not unknown for a donkey to foal at 400 days. Some of these signs are, that her udder will get larger about 2-4 week out. It may fill up during the night and shrink during the day as she gets more exercise. About 1-2 weeks out her teats will begin to fill with milk. They will get bigger, the closer she gets. You will also notice that her pelvis and vulva will start to relax. About 12 hours prior to foaling they will become very relaxed and her vulva will turn a bright purple. She will rub her back side on items to relieve the pressure. She will also get milk veins on her abdomen. About 12-24 hours prior to her foaling the mare may get wax on her udder. She also may have milky fluid leak from her teats for a day or so before.
If your family is considering a pet bunny, why not rent one of Farmer Mary’s friendly bunnies for a week and see how a bunny fits into your home and routine?
Only $25 for a week and that includes the bunny of your choice, a cage, all food and supplies.
Today at Winterpast Farm these girls were deciding which bunny to rent…it was a hard decision between FLUFFY and SNOWFLAKE.
Another family enjoyed caring for Mr Mustache and his Father for a week.
PETUNIA is out of the garage where she birthed her seven piglets and they are all running around the front yard. Occasionally they are napping back in the garage and Farmer Mary can catch a piglet to hold. The piglets were following the fourteen runner ducklings yesterday in a unique parade. Come see them soon!
Take your best shot at winning a bouquet of peacock feathers! Come on a farm visit (between now and the end of the year )to Winterpast Farm In Wake Forest and take a photograph of a peacock feather.
Photographers best efforts will be posted in the farm Facebook page for voting.
Feathers for photography are available from Farmer Mary to photograph at the farm…each one is unique.