Categories
webcams

I have been trying to find the time to get…

I have been trying to find the time to get an infra-red lamp working to see the Pond next to the Lake where the Otter killed a Fish that Julia told you about on her stay a Denbury a few weeks ago. The lamp is position to see the Otter if it attempts to get a Fish. We seem to have been fortunate up to now as it seems that the Otter is only visiting the Pond now and then. I have started to put an electric fence around the Pond but if the Otter does not cause e any problems I will leave it as it is and we may see it.

We were not so fortunate a few years back when we must have had an Otter visiting who had Pups. Every morning for weeks we would find the scale of our biggest Fish on the bank where the Otter had eaten the night before. Never did find their Holt. After we started to walk the dogs around the Lake we had a lot less problems. The Otter must not have liked the Dogs scent. Although it could well have been that the Otter had taken all of the biggest Fish and wasn’t to fussed about the others.

A lot of fisheries are having to close because of the Otter problem. Lakes are very expensive to protect from Otters, unless they have a mains electric supply they need expensive fencing. We are fortunate having electric close to the Lake so we can use electric fencing that is a less costly option. The Environment Agency needs to act to help fishery owners to protect their investments or there will be a decline of Otters when owners decide to take the law into their own hand and start killing Otters. The Otter was all but extinct in a lot of Counties, but with the reintroduction there are becoming to many and they are causing problems. The reason for them nearly becoming extinct was for one reason only, that was that the Otter was killing to many Fish in the Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Fish that people would catch and eat before transport made it possible for delivery of fresh Fish to shops. Otter hunting was carried out for that reason and that caused the decline of the Otter, not pesticide killing them. It is not rocket science all you need is to read Tarka the Otter. With the protection of our Lake that I have put in, that was also to protect the wildlife we as of yet have only had a small loss of our Fish.

About eight Canada Geese where on the Lake yesterday morning. Four were pairs who had been there for a couple of Days. One pair from last year. It made the Gander let the others know that the Goose was his and I saw them mating. When the others flew off they took with them one of the Ganders, so at the moment there are just three left. It is looking promising that on pair will nest as there are no arguments as yet with the Black Swans.

Categories
webcams

Rye Harbour is looking for a volunteer qualified Electrician to…

Rye Harbour is looking for a volunteer qualified Electrician to help get the Island camera working this year so that we can watch the Black Headed Gulls and Terns nesting. The camera stopped working last year before the nesting season. The year before was very good. Barry is capable of doing the work but as he is not qualified his Bosses have stopped him doing it. If any one in the area can help you can email Barry on barry.yates@eastsussex.gov.uk

There will be a link to our Twitter page on both Denbury Farm and Wildlife TV very soon. I will give the login info to SWT, Rye and the Barn Owl Trust so if they want they can Twitter.

I see that there is interest in Ewy. The run about she has caused us I reckon the best place for her is on a plate with mint sauce.

Last year because the Sheep were free roaming more than my neighbours appreciated we tried to get the Sheep into the Barn where they could stay until the lambed. We managed to get half of them in but Ewy didn’t like that idea and decided to have it away. Unfortunately she was in the middle of the flock and when she bolted all those behind her followed. Now we cant get near them without them all bolting. They are now more free range than they have ever been and it is causing a lot of worry with them free ranging on other peoples land. Back before Christmas we nearly got the roaming Sheep out of the Horse Field gate, once through they would have been nearly caught but it was Ewy that broke taking the rest with her. I want them in the Barn for when they are lambing that could be any time soon so I will probably have to get the person who shears them for us to bring his dog over to get them in. What ever I bet we wont get Ewy.

It is looking promising with the Canada Geese. Two days ago two pairs flew in. One was definitely last years pair. Although the two pairs just about stood each other they kept each other more or less at arms length. When I went to feed the Swans last years pair called out and swam in the hope of food. I have started to feed them now when I feed the Swans in the hope that it will encourage them to stay. None of the Geese were on the Lake this morning when I went to feed the Swans but they were when I fed tonight, and swam towards me honking in expectation.

Categories
webcams

I have been trying to find the time to get…

I have been trying to find the time to get an infra-red lamp working to see the Pond next to the Lake where the Otter killed a Fish that Julia told you about on her stay a Denbury a few weeks ago. The lamp is position to see the Otter if it attempts to get a Fish. We seem to have been fortunate up to now as it seems that the Otter is only visiting the Pond now and then. I have started to put an electric fence around the Pond but if the Otter does not cause e any problems I will leave it as it is and we may see it.

We were not so fortunate a few years back when we must have had an Otter visiting who had Pups. Every morning for weeks we would find the scale of our biggest Fish on the bank where the Otter had eaten the night before. Never did find their Holt. After we started to walk the dogs around the Lake we had a lot less problems. The Otter must not have liked the Dogs scent. Although it could well have been that the Otter had taken all of the biggest Fish and wasn’t to fussed about the others.

A lot of fisheries are having to close because of the Otter problem. Lakes are very expensive to protect from Otters, unless they have a mains electric supply they need expensive fencing. We are fortunate having electric close to the Lake so we can use electric fencing that is a less costly option. The Environment Agency needs to act to help fishery owners to protect their investments or there will be a decline of Otters when owners decide to take the law into their own hand and start killing Otters. The Otter was all but extinct in a lot of Counties, but with the reintroduction there are becoming to many and they are causing problems. The reason for them nearly becoming extinct was for one reason only, that was that the Otter was killing to many Fish in the Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Fish that people would catch and eat before transport made it possible for delivery of fresh Fish to shops. Otter hunting was carried out for that reason and that caused the decline of the Otter, not pesticide killing them. It is not rocket science all you need is to read Tarka the Otter. With the protection of our Lake that I have put in, that was also to protect the wildlife we as of yet have only had a small loss of our Fish.

About eight Canada Geese where on the Lake yesterday morning. Four were pairs who had been there for a couple of Days. One pair from last year. It made the Gander let the others know that the Goose was his and I saw them mating. When the others flew off they took with them one of the Ganders, so at the moment there are just three left. It is looking promising that on pair will nest as there are no arguments as yet with the Black Swans.

Categories
webcams

There are 15 new photographs on the Photo Page Lynne…

There are 15 new photographs on the Photo Page. Lynne said that it was about time I got rid of the Christmas photographs. I will put those she sent in to replace them in a few days time.

4 sent in by Vicky of Dennis. The third one you can see the Chickens Dennis would hang around with.

5 sent by Simon. Had these since before Xmas

1 sent in by Elaine. Have been looking through my memory sticks and found a photo of Robin’s bridesmaid dress don’t know if you want to put it on the gallery so everyone will know what we are talking about.

2 foot long icicles hanging from my gutters!
Janice.Leeds

Fieldfare’s that have been visiting our garden(not best photos I know, they were taken through a window) Rose W’canton

Last one from Julia. There are more that I will put on over the next few days.

Who would ever believe that a Turkey could be a pet. We never did for one moment, but after hatching them we soon realised what a friendly bird they were. After hatching they were kept in our wash room until they were sold or could cope with being put outside in a stable under heat lamps. Very quickly after hatching when ever Mrs.Farmer went into the wash room to feed the Turkey Chicks they would fly to her and perch on her shoulder or arms. Dennis was one of many who did it.

A friend who had given us a lot of Bantam eggs would not take any payment for them. As payment we decided that we would give her a pair of the Turkeys that we knew she would keep as an edition to her large collection of Poultry. Four Turkey chicks were kept to let grow on. Two for our friend and two for ourselves.

Fortunately the four Turkey chicks turned out to be two Hens and two Stags and as Turkeys do they grew very quickly and soon reached a size that we could give our friend her pair of Turkeys. Our Friend collected her pair a week after we told her they were ready, but unfortunately one of the hens died. We promised a pair so we finished up with one Stag, our Dennis.

Dennis very quickly made friends with our Buff Orpingtons and Silky’s when we allowed him to free range around the Farm Yard and when ever any of our Holiday Guests in the cottage next to the Farm House would sit outside Dennis would lay by their feet, sometimes even on them. He was a big hit and a favorite with every one who met him. Tass and Kye would often give him a sniff and a lick. Every night when Mrs.Farmer put the Chickens and Bantams in their houses Dennis would follow her as if he was helping. When he strayed into the Horses corral the Horses would often reach down to him, always being careful not to step on him.

It was about three days before Dennis died that we noticed that he was not himself. Nothing that would cause a lot of concern, only that he needed watching. Yesterday morning he had obviously got worse and was scouring so I gave him antibiotics. He sat on the lawn in front of the Farm House getting no better or worse. One of our Holiday Guests came to tell us that Dennis was being bothered by the Buff Orpingtons. They were not bothering him, one was gently pawing his back to get him up, an other lightly touching Dennis around his face with its beak. It was very touching to see, and we really did not expect to see such concern by Chickens.

As Dennis had not got any better by the time he would have been put into his house we decided to take him into the Farm House for the night so that we could give him a little water, as with him scouring he must have been dehydrating. Tass and Kye just accepted Dennis in the Kitchen, going to him now and then as if to see how he was. We managed to give him a little water but at about 9.30pm he was having a type of convulsion. At about 10.10pm Dennis died.

We have no idea what caused Dennis to die. He was scouring but if it was something that he had eaten. The other Chickens would have been eating it to and they have shown no signs of illness.

Dennis was very special pet to us so we decided to bury him with where we bury our other pets at the end of their lives. It was very sad having to dig his grave, and very upsetting burying Dennis.

We will hatch another Dennis very soon as Turkeys are really great and nice to have around. As all of our Holiday Guests and any one who met Dennis will tell you. Who would ever believe a Turkey could be a pet.

Categories
webcams

There are 15 new photographs on the Photo Page Lynne…

There are 15 new photographs on the Photo Page. Lynne said that it was about time I got rid of the Christmas photographs. I will put those she sent in to replace them in a few days time.

4 sent in by Vicky of Dennis. The third one you can see the Chickens Dennis would hang around with.

5 sent by Simon. Had these since before Xmas

1 sent in by Elaine. Have been looking through my memory sticks and found a photo of Robin’s bridesmaid dress don’t know if you want to put it on the gallery so everyone will know what we are talking about.

2 foot long icicles hanging from my gutters!
Janice.Leeds

Fieldfare’s that have been visiting our garden(not best photos I know, they were taken through a window) Rose W’canton

Last one from Julia. There are more that I will put on over the next few days.

Who would ever believe that a Turkey could be a pet. We never did for one moment, but after hatching them we soon realised what a friendly bird they were. After hatching they were kept in our wash room until they were sold or could cope with being put outside in a stable under heat lamps. Very quickly after hatching when ever Mrs.Farmer went into the wash room to feed the Turkey Chicks they would fly to her and perch on her shoulder or arms. Dennis was one of many who did it.

A friend who had given us a lot of Bantam eggs would not take any payment for them. As payment we decided that we would give her a pair of the Turkeys that we knew she would keep as an edition to her large collection of Poultry. Four Turkey chicks were kept to let grow on. Two for our friend and two for ourselves.

Fortunately the four Turkey chicks turned out to be two Hens and two Stags and as Turkeys do they grew very quickly and soon reached a size that we could give our friend her pair of Turkeys. Our Friend collected her pair a week after we told her they were ready, but unfortunately one of the hens died. We promised a pair so we finished up with one Stag, our Dennis.

Dennis very quickly made friends with our Buff Orpingtons and Silky’s when we allowed him to free range around the Farm Yard and when ever any of our Holiday Guests in the cottage next to the Farm House would sit outside Dennis would lay by their feet, sometimes even on them. He was a big hit and a favorite with every one who met him. Tass and Kye would often give him a sniff and a lick. Every night when Mrs.Farmer put the Chickens and Bantams in their houses Dennis would follow her as if he was helping. When he strayed into the Horses corral the Horses would often reach down to him, always being careful not to step on him.

It was about three days before Dennis died that we noticed that he was not himself. Nothing that would cause a lot of concern, only that he needed watching. Yesterday morning he had obviously got worse and was scouring so I gave him antibiotics. He sat on the lawn in front of the Farm House getting no better or worse. One of our Holiday Guests came to tell us that Dennis was being bothered by the Buff Orpingtons. They were not bothering him, one was gently pawing his back to get him up, an other lightly touching Dennis around his face with its beak. It was very touching to see, and we really did not expect to see such concern by Chickens.

As Dennis had not got any better by the time he would have been put into his house we decided to take him into the Farm House for the night so that we could give him a little water, as with him scouring he must have been dehydrating. Tass and Kye just accepted Dennis in the Kitchen, going to him now and then as if to see how he was. We managed to give him a little water but at about 9.30pm he was having a type of convulsion. At about 10.10pm Dennis died.

We have no idea what caused Dennis to die. He was scouring but if it was something that he had eaten. The other Chickens would have been eating it to and they have shown no signs of illness.

Dennis was very special pet to us so we decided to bury him with where we bury our other pets at the end of their lives. It was very sad having to dig his grave, and very upsetting burying Dennis.

We will replace Dennis very soon as Turkeys are really great and nice to have around. As all of our Holiday Guests and any one who met Dennis will tell you. Who would ever believe a Turkey could be a pet.

Categories
webcams

We have decided to try Twitter You can catch upon…

We have decided to try Twitter. You can catch upon the latest news on our Twitter site. http://twitter.com/denburyfarm Join and be one of our followers http://twitter.com

Although the Emu and Rhea are . easy to look after they have increased our workload giving me less time to do a Diary or upload any photographs on the Gallery but I will try harder.

Three batches of the Emu eggs have not hatched, so it seems that the power cut we had did not do us any favours. The three batches came from the small incubator. It is possible that the bigger incubator may not had suffered so much, but I wont be holding my breath. We were looking forward to having the Emu Chicks to show on the webcams and for our Holiday Guests to see. The Emu are still laying and we have managed to put another 40 eggs in the incubator since the power cut. We have let two Emu sit eggs in their paddock. One is very diligent and has not moved off of the eggs at all. The other one is a waste of time, on and off its nest allowing the eggs to get cold. Other females are still laying on the nest, but they will not hatch so I am having to put my hand under the Emu to find the new laid eggs.

We have given up trying to return Edwin back with the other Emu. We have returned him twice but he just comes back to be close to the Farm House. When we went looking for our Sheep a couple of weeks back we found the way Edwin was getting back to the Farm. There were some of his feathers on a fence where he had got through, so as we thought he was travelling nearly a mile through the Woods and Fields to get back to us.

The Black Swans really have brought the Lake alive since they have been here. We are getting lots of Geese and Ducks visiting. There have never been so many Ducks living on the Lake. There have been a two regular small flocks of Canada Geese visiting, some times staying over night. One a flock of six and another of eleven. The good news is that last years breeding pair are coming regular and have been going on to the Island. This morning we have seen them mating and chasing off the other Geese. Not sure how the Swans will react as they have also been visiting the Island over the past two weeks, so much so that they flattened the grass that I usually need to strim. Could be that they are trying to stop the Geese from settling.

Have to finish now as Dennis is very unwell. Must admit it doesnt look good. I have given him antibiotics and we have got him in the Farm House in front of the aga keeping him warm. His breathing is very laboured, he is not eating but we are trying to get him to take a little water with a syringe. I will let you know how he gets on.

Categories
webcams

There were not many who disagreed with me on the…

There were not many who disagreed with me on the Forum about the Fox. Many no doubt kept there opinions to themselves. But I hope the photograph of the dead Goose with its head ripped off will show those who protested the loudest that they need to think very seriously of what their choice would be. But take into consideration that this Goose was one of 12 that we offered to buy as they were in a dark barn and we wanted to give them a good home and a better life than they had. This Goose had a small problem with her legs and was named Wobbly because of her walk. Also take into consideration what stress, fear and pain she went through before she had her head ripped off by the Fox.

Categories
webcams

We had a power cut on Monday Tuesday night We…

We had a power cut on Monday/Tuesday night. We only knew about it at 5.30am when one of our holiday guests knocked us up after realising that the incubators would have stopped. The electricity company were quick to respond finding a main fuse on an outside pole had blown, but it was not until nearly 8.am before we had our electricity working.

Unfortunately it looks very much as if we have lost all of the Emu Eggs that we had incubating. The fist 20 were due this to hatch this week but but there is no signs of any hatching. There are about a 100 egg incubating. Being that we are unable to candle the Emu Eggs we will have to let them go for the full 55 days just in case by chance the odd one survived. I am not holding my breath. We must have had nearly 200 eggs and have managed to put 18 new one in the incubator yesterday. I am not sure how many more eggs we will get. I have let two Male Emu sit eggs. One is sitting over 10, not sure about the other one. The intention was to allow after this week all of the eggs to be hatch naturally by the Emu. But I would like to incubate some eggs. Until I let the Emu sit the eggs we were getting 20 plus eggs a week but that has reduced now they are sitting. We may be lucky.

This afternoon I went to show Julia and Chris the signs of where the Otter was on the bottom Pond. I expected to find some of Otter droppings, but the first sign of the Otter that we came across was the scales of a 10lb Carp that the Otter must have had for his dinner last evening. That is how you can tell if it is an Otter rather than Mink. Mink will eat all of the Fish, the Otter will leave the scales. About 10 years ago there must have been an Otter with Cubs on the main Lake as every day for weeks I was finding the scale from 1 or 2 large Fish by the side of the Lake. The main lake as you know is electric fenced against both the Otter and the Fox. Seeing the scales today has given me a reality check and realised that the Fish taken would cost in the region of