ANIMALS UPDATE
Pigs
What a wet and cold term we have had at Muntham House Farm. Not that it affects Bangers and Mash; they love hanging out in the mud. The pupils enjoyed breaking up ice from the water buckets and feeding it to Bangers, who likes to crunch it. The pupils have been learning the importance of giving the pigs activities to do during the days to keep them from boredom (and stop them from eating the fence). Although Mash is very happy relaxing in the pigloo, Bangers is much more sociable and loves to snuffle in the fallen leaves for treats left by the pupils.
Goats
Often, the pupils comment on the goat’s weight, so this term and following onwards, we are all trying to help reduce the goat’s weight and increase their exercise. One of the goals in the sessions with the goats and pupils is to get them both active and working together as a team. The goats often get sidetracked out on a walk, and it is then the pupil’s responsibility to build a relationship and guide them back on the path, not just to the next yummy bush. The goats are keen to eat anything and everything they can get their hooves on. The pupils have been working their way through different healthier alternatives and determining which type of fruit or vegetables are their favourite. Gizmo, Spike, Wallace and Gromit are also very happy with the new tyres in their enclosure. They are often seen jumping onto them while the chickens have a dust bath.
Donkeys
Buzz and Woody are growing their thick winter coats back again and look fluffier than ever. The thicker the coat, the more hay and straw that gets stuck in it, though, meaning lots of grooming and pampering time for both donkeys. Due to the sun setting so early, most animals are being put to bed just before school finishes. This enables some of the pupils to participate in the poo picking, dinner feeding and water bucket filling. When the rain holds off, the pupils and donkeys have many adventures around the school grounds, the village, and the Muntham mile. Buzz is very chilled and relaxed, but Woody is not keen on the muddy tracks; he often plays up to try to get out of the muddy directions. The pupils use calm language (and sometimes bribery) to persuade him to follow their lead. This can take patience as he can be one very stubborn donkey.
Chickens
Good news in the Muntham House chicken coop! Marmalade is back, laying eggs! She is the only chicken to start laying again after their moult. Let’s hope we can begin to supply full Muntham egg boxes soon. The pupils have been very patient and have not disturbed the chickens whilst they moult, which can cause stress. Many pupils have been picking up and hugging the chickens again, a firm favourite activity to do in sessions. Two of our orange chickens are not as tame as the rest, so some pupils have set their own challenge to pick these up more often and spend positive time with them, hoping they will become friendlier.