Garrett Mountain Farms

04/03/2023

Been a while eh?
Today was much tougher than I thought it would be. Stereotypically "bitter sweet." Garrett Mountain Farms, however, was never your stereotypical farm. Mother Nature is taking over now, and the place doesn't look the same. We never looked the best,though. It wasn't about that. It was about the animals.
I have missed this farm and missed sharing it with you all so much. I have missed the pigs. Man-O-man have I missed the pigs! Sadie the potbelly coming in the dog door grunting. Oscar the 900lb monster and Red and Oreo who started Garrett Mountain! Nancy the goat, and us learning how to milk a goat together.. Bud the billy and his concubines. Even Floyd the rooster who I still carry a scar. I have missed the flock of turkeys that followed me half way to Seneca one night. I miss being in my tree stand and Benjamin bringing his harem of lady sheep down below me. I have missed Garrett Mountain so much. It was the definition of (labor of love).
The last 3 years have been busy, though! The messages still come through and the random pig questions, chicken questions, and even a bee question a week or 2 ago are great. This farm allowed me to learn so much. I am always happy to share any knowledge gained or a connection met. If everyone could own a goat, pig, or chicken I think we would all be a lot happier. With that said the farm page will continue. This is just a chapter in the book for Garrett Farms. Heck, maybe we find a new Mountain?? I'm not sure at this point. I just know that my Happiness has found itself on a ranch in Oklahoma raising an animal that next to owning a pig has been a dream of mine.
I look forward to the next land purchase and future farm updates!! Maybe a farm related pod cast. For now though.. Don't be afraid to take a chance. Don't be afraid to quit that bad habit. Don't wait for Monday to start something. Appreciate you all as always!!

04/16/2020

20 head of sheep. Ages between 3yrs on a few ewes and 4 weeks on some babies everything in between. Headed to the sale barn but i can stop by and drop one off if interested. Holler at me quick.

04/07/2020

The AUSTRALORP. Well good day mate. Todays chicken is an import from down under, but lineage from america. Becoming very popular in the 20s due to the fact they LAY EGGS. Not just lay eggs. This breed has set records for the number produced in a year. Reason? Well, some folks in Australia took a couple birds we have discussed and crossed them. They started with an Orpington and a Rhode Island Red later adding a Leghorn(tomorrow). Taking some of the best, and crossing them had an obvious effect. I didn't cover the Orpington and RIR so quickly for no reason. You begin to find when starting this adventure into other breeds the baseline of genetics stem from O G's for a lack of better term. With the AUSTRALORP you are getting the gentle disposition of the Orpington the heartyness of a RIR and egg production of a Leghorn primarily in my opinion. All of these traits are in all three birds, but certain traits dominate in particular breeds. Not quite as easy to come by but occasionally at a chick days these are taken quickly and the demand is fairly high in the chicken world. I guarantee if you are able to talk someone out of a few of these you absolutely will not be disappointed. Stay safe enjoy the chicken life. I am available to help where i can.

04/06/2020

The RHODE ISLAND RED. I'm a bit partial to this breed. This dual purpose breed had way too many pros than cons when doing my research i initially. Originally being recognized in the late 1800s this bird has served many a farmer over the years. More along the lines in terms of size to the Barred Rock and laying ability this breed has stood the test of time. Rhode Island reds are a very hearty breed. With a warm red light in the coop you can still find an egg in the coop during the winter. Typically lay 3-5 years. However, you can leave the heat off and they will be just fine. Egg production may take a hit, but they don't mind to peck around in the snow. If there was to be one draw back the roosters can be a bit territorial compared to other breeds. This has proven to be a blessing and a curse on my farm. The rooster is fine with 10-15 hens in his flock and does a wonderful job keeping the flock in line and safe from most danger. He will fight to the death if something happens to find itself in the coop. Easily obtained at any chick days or locally from a farmer. I would definitely recommend getting a few if you are new to chickens. They are in my opinion a great bird that will feed you one way or another with less worry than other breeds. Definitely one of the top. Stay safe and be in touch if you find yourself with questions.

04/05/2020

The BARRED ROCK. Your going to catch on quickly I love them all... Another very very common chicken to a number of farms and farm photos. A lot of people associate these speckled classic chickens as a must have at any farm. This is another breed easily found at most of your farm stores. Also, a breed that can be sexted early in life and possibly purchased as a pullet (sexed female). This aids in cutting down on buying those dozen chicks and getting 7 roos. This breed is hearty in cold temps and considered a prolific egg layer. Not to mention a broody bird. So if your hen was to think her new batch of eggs is worth a hatch she may decide to do just that. Not as large as the Buff Orpington from yesterday, but also used for meat. So again a great dual purpose bird. Between that and the gentle temperament it's easy to see why this bird has been so popular over the years. So again. Get out there get some chickens and enjoy the many benefits. The Barred Rock I'm sure is to be a family favorite. It's one of mine.

04/04/2020

The BUFF ORPINGTON is one of the must haves in my book. Well mannered. Fantastic long lived brown egg production. Even in colder temps. If the old bird don't want to make ya an egg?? They make a great meat bird as well. Considered dual purpose these larger friendly variety of chicken will not disappoint anyone. Very easily found at any farm or tractor store during chick days. If you Get ya some chicks. Get the family together and give chickens a chance. You wouldnt have panicked for eggs if you had some of these girls running around. Going to continue a little chicken series. Everyday introducing you to some of my favorites. Feel free to message with comments questions and concerns. I can always talk chickens. I also know a few secrets of getting them out of the chick stage alive, and would love yo pass it on. Stay safe and keep fighting that Rona!

01/22/2020

This and ALL other buffalo meat products at the office. New baby goats and sheep on the mountain as well.

11/30/2019

What a good day. Whether here or with the buffalo accomplishing the dream. Able to spend an hour or so with a fellow poultry enthusiast. Such a good time. 3 or 4 sheep available a mini nubian goat (will trade a good billy goat with the right genetics) and plenty of potbelly pigs. Yes they are the little ones. Good day..? Yes it was. Buffalo fed, truck feeder fixed, by noonish. Ive never tore a feeder apart..... Back at the mountain. All bedding replaced. Everyone over fed and patted on their little heads. Big bonus! Had a couple hours of daylight left to cut wood. It's what i heat with, and only able to cut whats dead around the driveway as i come home each day. Tonight we have a fire! Next few days to come too! Now i suppose no more excuses for laundry. Enjoy your evening and appreciate the support.

11/13/2019

11/07/2019

Rough day on the farm. Sent some of the last pigs off, and O'l Ben-hameen ram. (Benjamin) Then one of the best bucks produced up here to market. Today is when you make a proper livestock decision, and ignore the pet and memories instinct. Suppose it's called farming. Never gets easy.

09/25/2019

Wet but not bad on the farm today. Had a new set of sheep twins. Both ewes. Then managed to cruise around the Modoc farm and hang with some buffalo. Still have some sheep, goats, and potbelly pigs running around looking for a new home. PM for details.

09/22/2019

Turkey hens headed to roost.... Just about got that corner of roof well painted.....