Monday, January 10, 2011

Drat

Drat.  I can't seem to catch rats in the zapper.  The bait slowly disappears, with no stiff rat reward inside.

So I brought back the pros and we placed additional bait boxes.  The bait is secure inside the box, the opening into the box is small enough that only a rodent can get to the bait that is secured in place with a pin in the box.  I have not seen any more rats, although, I think the big ones are too smart for this bait box stuff, the smaller ones prove to be very easy to catch with snap traps.

I was having exciting yet revolting luck with the snap traps.  I took photos but it's not worth hurting your eyes, or brain.  All I can say is that rats are more disgusting and strange than I imagined.  Think a mix of blood, mystery, creativity and my strong will to protect Java's Barn from rat life.  Mr. Java's Mom has not assisted with any rodent issues, but he can barely tolerate the updates, so I'll spare you too.  Oh, and for the record, the rodents are not in the grain bin.  They prefer the first floor apparently (grain bin is in the loft).

Sugar healed from his injury that he came here to heal from.  He was a wonderful lameness rehab patient, and of course we became completely attached to the little guy.  But, the day finally came for him to join his owner in Mississippi and he left last week.  His replacement arrives this coming weekend.  The replacement belongs to someone who will help me at the barn and with the baby when it arrives.   So the herd will consist of Java, T and Shorty, all sound and healthy.  Sugar left with a nice horse transportation professional and a day or two later, we got a beautiful blanket of snow.



Java clearly excited about the snow outside.  Time to play and roll! 
(that is one of the bait boxes under her blanket rack)





Sugar... are you in the barn, come out and play! 
He has been gone for days now, but she still looks for him. 
Totally heartbreaking.  She has never missed a buddy like she misses Sugar.  T is in the next paddock, she likes T's company, but not like she appreciated Sugar.

looking for goodies



Panoramic shot that looks mini because it does not fit on the page.

next post coming soon...

5 comments:

in2paints said...

Snow is so much prettier when it falls at other people's houses! Your pictures are beautiful!

By the way, you have an award waiting at my blog! :)

Rising Rainbow said...

It's been a tough year for weather so the rodents get worse. We're struggling with them here too. Talk about a pain.

The snow pics are sure pretty.

Terry said...

Oops, make that an award x2!

allhorsestuff said...

Hay java's mom...it sure was gorgeous ther in the white...cute little panorama too!
Bet you are thawed by now...?...maybe not. Hopein the RATS did not carry you away...?
Miss your horsey words!
KK

Anonymous said...

Hi We are putting up a small horse pasture this weekend. I bought some Centaur White Lightening and had someone tell me that the horses do not feel the electricity in it. Are you happy with it? We are thinking about changing to no climb horse fence with and hot wire at the top but aren't sure now. Just curious your thoughts. Thanks :)