Grain Time

It's been pretty quiet at the Sanctuary lately. I think everyone is hunkering down (or at least I hope they are) to let this virus pass. Last fall I stocked up on senior feed for the horses. With only graining three, it takes a bit to go through all the bags of grain. I realize we have a number of seniors but we don't grain them unless they need it. We evaluate their weight and health daily to see if/when we need to start graining.


This winter we've only been graining Dude, Jim, and Jessie (although others think they need grain too). I try to avoid graining just to grain as a treat. It's extra money and although it would make them happy and make me feel better, it's unnecessary calories for some of them. Once they hit a certain point where their body needs it, we'll start. But I digress.


I had started to panic a little because I was going to be out of grain soon and that meant a trip to the store. We are trying really hard to do our part in social distancing. But a trip to TSC is going to be in order soon. Last fall when I was trying to find places for all the grain that we'd purchased, I added an extra barrel. We put all our grain in air tight, food grade barrels to keep the mice away and not worry about mold. They might not be the prettiest to look at but I can sleep at night not worrying about mice getting in to the expensive grain.


So when I was starting to get down there on grain in my normal barrels, it took me a bit to remember that I had an extra barrel full of grain! I'm not sure how long it'll hold us but hopefully we can go another week or two without having to go in. I doubt that it will get us through until this self distancing is done but it'll help make a difference.


I don't want to stock up on grain because we do stop graining once they are on pasture. Although that may be dependent on Dude. He's on Buteless but with warmer weather his hips don't bother him. It's only the cold snap that seems to cause him problems. I do watch him go in and out of the barn and having to make that step does make him pause. So we may just keep graining him all summer long to ensure he gets his Buteless. Every little bit counts in keeping the herd happy and comfortable in their golden years.


Now to figure out do I make a trip in to TSC (and of course come out with more than I needed) or do I call to place and order and missing walking through the store to pick up some extras. It's not nearly as much fun if I can't go in and look around but the reality of right now needs to be taken seriously.