I don’t have a lot of photos for this post. And here’s why. Those crazy animals in my backyard barnyard are too smart for their own good.
Over this time of deep freeze, I’ve been trying to be extra nice to them. Like humans, sometimes the shortest way to a goat’s—or a pig’s or alpaca’s or chicken’s— heart is through his/her stomach. So I’ve filled my pockets full of animal crackers and cinnamon apple horse treats to give everyone a little bit of special happiness during these frigid times.
Now, I am bombarded as soon as I walk in the gate. I slide in, quickly give everyone a treat and then we all start walking around in a bunch until they lose interest and I can get the chores done. But the moment, THE MOMENT I take my glove off they literally come running, very nearly knocking me over. Because when it’s freezing, there’s only two things that will get me to take my glove off . One of them is with my glove on I can’t get a treat out of my pocket.
TREEEEAT!
Here’s the complication. I also can’t take a photo on my iPhone wearing gloves.
Get the picture? Well, I can’t. Because when I see a Kodak moment and pull my phone out of my pocket and take off my glove…within seconds I’ve got a pig sniffing my knees, three goats chewing on my pockets and two alpaca stretching their beautiful necks above the fray to try and STARE a treat out of my cold, un-gloved hand.
I will hypnotize you with my stare. Give. Me. Cookie.
Hey Lady! You got a treat in that bare hand????
Jessie is doing a body block, not letting anyone else in.
Brandy is usually not so bold, but when the glove comes off she’s right there.
I can’t even take a photo of the chaos. It’s just one big blur.
I’ll try and chew my way into that magic pocket.
I was getting frustrated, but then really, how cool is that? Apparently the answer is yes, treats do make them happy 🙂
Stay warm, my friends, stay warm.
E-touch gloves. You’ll not only get photos, you’ll save your knees. All that bumping and shoving takes a toll.
I’ve got some (love them), but they are not nearly warm enough for our below freezing weather. Mine are thickly insulated and somewhat waterproof, and by the end of morning feeding I still can’t feel my fingers!
Hysterical! My chickens come running when I shake a box full of seed. They know that sound means TREAT!
It’s amazing how fast they can run!
Your blog makes me so happy. I love reading about the everyday occurances and barnyard events. I dont always comment, but I really enjoy reading. Thank you for sharing.
That’s exactly why I write about them. Thanks! 🙂
Maybe get flesh toned gloves?
Your barnyard ‘tenants’ reaction to you removing your glove remind of Pavlov’s dogs. 🙂 Your animals know you well, I guess.
I am so glad I don’t have the glove problem as we don’t get your temperatures. I do find that as soon as I hold out my camera though, they all come running and the moment I was trying to capture is often lost. I feel especially guilty when I am trying to take a photo of a girl enjoying a dust bath and she runs over only to find it’s not treat time. I feel that I have spoiled a lovely dust bath for no reason. The rattle of the corn tub gets the girls into a frenzy. Sometimes they try to jump up at me rather than wait for me to throw some corn. They certainly know where the treats are. Your critters make me smile.
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Those smart little rascals! Stay toasty!
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