Apothecary Inn: Working Mini-Ranch & Bed and Breakfast
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Located in beautiful Southern Oregon |
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DAILY FARM LIFE
Maintaining a functioning mini-ranch and bed and breakfast facility takes quite a bit of work. There are always projects to be completed, pastures and stalls to be mucked, animals to be fed, and so much more. Here is how a typical day goes... The animals are fed and watered twice a day. They enjoy routine (i.e. being fed at the same time every day), and can be quite vocal when the innkeepers are running late. Beginning in the early morning hours (generally between 5 & 6 am), the Garretts get up, have their morning coffee ritual (necessary in order for their brains to function), put on their muck boots (yet another necessity!), and get to work. The first thing they usually do is check everybody's water troughs, and refill as necessary. The donkeys drink the most, and their water needs to be refilled every day. If it's during the winter time, the innkeepers break the ice off of the water troughs, and pour warm (molasses) water into them. Not only does this help melt the layer of ice, but it also aids in getting the animals to drink. Many animals don't take in enough liquids when their water is extremely cold. The donkeys tend to be the nosiest (Chianti, the little "guard donkey," likes to wake everybody up first thing in the morning for food and attention), so they are often fed first. Each donkey gets about a pound of hay a piece (the younger ones get about 2 lbs. each), and the proper amount of LMF supplement.
Once the donkeys are pacified with food and adoration, the llamas are fed their hay. The goats come next, getting their hay (and bottles, if they are not yet weaned). Finally (saving the best for last), the chickens get clean food and water, and fresh sawdust bedding. Nest boxes are checked for eggs, and the health of the flock is checked with a good once-over glance.
These farm chores often take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on weather and innkeeper energy levels.
After the animals are taken care of, the Garretts return inside, clean up, change into their normal clothing, and begin making breakfast for guests (if anyone is staying at the inn). Breakfast is generally served around 8 am, which means that breakfast needs to be started at around 7 am. Coffee is out on the table by 7:30 am. After breakfast, the garden and grounds are watered, and any fruits or vegetables now ripe are picked.
Later in the day (after guest rooms have been cleaned), stalls are mucked out and fresh straw put down. Pastures are also cleaned. These chores are performed on a once every 3-7 day schedule. If needed, medicine is administered. Shearing of the angora goats and llamas may also be done.
Finally, evening chores are performed (generally any time between 3:30 and 7 pm, depending on the time of year) and the animals are fed. Water troughs are checked, and the goats and chickens are locked in for the evening. It's bed time at the Inn! MORE COMING SOON! |
