Spring Field Trip Days Filling Fast

Don't wait! Schedule your spring field trip now. Some days are full to new reservations but I'm sure we can still fit you in. One option is to arrive late morning and enjoy your picnic lunches before taking an afternoon tour. Arrive back in school just in time for dismissal.

Picnic in the Hay Mow - OR - Picnic Outside

 

But whatever you decide...you'll be sure to have FUN!

And you haven't even see all the baby animals yet!!

OH MY!

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Barney and a Donkey's Blessing

Today on Bonnie's Barnyard at NBC26 in Green Bay, Barney made his debut. What a well behaved chap! News anchor Jenny Evans wanted to take him home with her! Sorry Jenny. Barney may be a miniature donkey but still too big for the house. :)

Mulberry Lane Farm brings you Barney at Bonnie's Barnyard.

Fun donkey facts:

·       A male donkey is called a Jack. A female donkey is called a Jenny. Their offspring are foals.

·       A mule is a cross between a male donkey and a female horse.

·       A hinny is a cross between a male horse and a female donkey.

·       Miniature donkeys are less than 36” tall. The large standard donkey is 48” – 56”.

·       Donkeys are often a lifeline to families in many regions of the world and their most prized possession. They help with water and wood fuel collection (truck), used to cultivate land (tractor), transportation to market (car), and loyal affectionate companion (the family dog).

·       Donkeys are very affectionate animals and enjoy the companionship of people. Donkeys need companions or they will become very depressed.

·       The donkey does not have natural ‘waterproof’ coats like horses and so need access to shelter.

·       Legend has it that a donkey has been marked with a cross (dark hair across its shoulder and down its back forming a cross) because the donkey carried Mother Mary into Bethlehem and later Jesus into Jerusalem.

·       Donkeys are unfairly thought to be stubborn and stupid. But actually, they are so intelligent they are cautious and no amount of human probing can make a donkey think a situation is safe if a donkey has decided it is dangerous.

·       The donkey’s characteristic ‘Eee awe’ sound is made by an intake of breadth followed instantly by exhaling.

·       If well cared for, donkeys can live for more than 40 years.

Peafowl on TV26's Bonnie's Barnyard

Oops...they almost got away. Certainly brought excitement to the set!

Farmer Bonnie and Farmer Pat brought Mulberry Lane Farm's peafowl to the set of NBC TV26, Green Bay.

You can see the full segment of Bonnie's Barnyard here:

  

Interesting peafowl facts:

• Male peafowl are called peacocks. Female peafowl are called peahens. Offspring under the age of one year are called peachicks.
• The most common breed of peafowl is the Indian Blue.
• Besides their colorful tail feathers, peacocks are distinguished by their blue neck feathers. Peahens have green neck feathers and lack the decorative tail feathers.
• Males raise their feathers into a fan and quiver them as part of courtship display.
• The peacock will molt (shed) its tail in late summer at the end of the breeding season.
• The tail feathers grow back about an additional foot each year extending as long as 6 feet when fully grown around age six.
• An adult peacock has an average of 200 tail feathers. Of the 200 or so feathers, about 170 are "eye" feathers and 30 are '"T" feathers.
• Peafowl are very hardy birds and with proper care, can live forty to fifty years.

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Sheep Shears by Andis

It's that time of year...spring is just around the corner. The bellies of our nannie goats and ewe sheep are getting bigger and bigger as they draw closer to kidding and lambing. (giving birth)  That means we need to start planning to shear our sheep soon. Farmer Pat is tickled pink about trying out his brand new Andis Sheep Shear. We have had the privilege of acquiring the heavy duty Model LGS.

Note: It is best to do the shearing before the mother ewe lambs, but not to close to lambing as to risk the stress of the "wool cut" causing premature labor. That is why plans are in the making to get the job done right.

Although the shears themselves are made in Switzerland ("Shearing Capital of the World" From Wikipedia), the Andis Corporation is based right here in WI! (Racine County)

 

Before we use the shears we wanted to share how similar the sheep shear is to the shears used by professional barbers and stylist. (Although theirs is on a much smaller scale.)

This shears is heavy!  Perhaps that's why they call it heavy-duty.  Good thing Farmer Pat has muscles. :)

But, in all seriousness, sheep shears have to be of good quality to do a clean accurate job.  Have you seen the wool on an unshorn ewe or ram?

On Wednesday, March 21st, watch WGBA NBC26 at 6:50 AM to see a short sheep shearing demo on Bonnie's Barnyard.  Don't worry if you don't get Green Bay stations in your area or you're not an early riser. I'll be sure to post a link to the program here.  Stay tuned...

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A Wedding at Mulberry Lane Farm

Oh My! Grab a kleenex before sitting down to enjoy this awesome video of a couple deeply in love captured by a very talented team of professionals at Kim Thiel Photography. Must admit, the backdrop certainly enhances this masterpiece.

Weddings at Mulberry Lane Farm are something new. Being a children's petting farm first and foremost, hosting weddings wasn't something really on our radar. However, after watching the video of one of the weddings held at the farm (10/1/11), I now understand why couples who do want something "out of the box" fall in love with the farm for a unique setting.  

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Ort for allowing us the pleasure of hosting your special day.  And to the team of professionals at Kim Thiel Photography...thank you for capturing this blessed event. Godspeed.

Click on link to watch video:
http://www.kimthielphotography.com/blog/weddings/a-mulberry-lane-wedding-film-christina-jerry/

 

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Shetland Ewe Stops By the Morning Show on TV26

Today's segment of Bonnie's Barnyard brings Lightening to the studio.  Baaaahhh...

Click on link to watch.

Bonnie's Barnyard on TV 26

Wisconsin winters can be harsh. One farm animal we envy is the sheep.  They have a thick wool coat that is perfect for staying dry & warm in any climate.

• Lightening is a Shetland ewe (female). Male sheep are called rams.
• Shetlands are small and slow-growing. It can take two to three years to reach their adult weight.
• Rams usually weigh approximately 105 lbs and ewes about 85 lbs. Lambs (baby sheep) are born weighing around 5 lbs.
• Shetlands live 10 to 12 years. According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the oldest sheep lived to be 23.
• The breed is noted for its very fine, soft wool and the high quality of its meat.
• Wool is one of the best insulating fibers known to man. It is moisture wicking.
• Their wool repels water, but humidity is absorbed. That's why sheep do well in both winter and summer.
• Sheep have excellent peripheral vision and can see behind themselves without turning their heads.

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Up, Up & Away.

In the dead of winter it warms the soul to view the farm on warmer days.  This aerial was taken this past October. 

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"Bonnie's Barnyard" on TV26 Green Bay

Tips Before Gifting a Pet 

There's nothing more precious than the look on your child's face when they open that special gift at Christmas!  

Farmer Bonnie shared some things to keep in mind this morning while visiting the TV26 studio with her Barnyard friends, LadyBug, Sis and her kitten.

click on link to see video

Tips Before Gifting a Pet on Bonnie's Barnyard

• This is a lifetime commitment.

-    "Guinness Book of World Records" reports that the world's oldest cat lived to be 38.

-    Depending on size & breed, dogs on average live 12 years.

• How old are your children?  Are they old enough to understand the handling & care of their new pet?
• If gifting Grandparents or an elderly person consider an adult cat or dog that is already trained. A small lap dog or a gentle cuddly lap cat is ideal.
• Since puppies & kittens are very active consider an adult dog or cat for the elderly person on your list.  They still bring the same joy & companionship but will be easier for them to care for.
• Dogs take time. Puppies take more time.  Are you gone from home most of the day? 

-    Although cats love being with their master, cats are more adaptable to being left alone. 

• How big is your home and how big is your yard?

-    Keep this in mind when deciding on a larger breed of dog.

• Consider your finances. 

-    There are vet bills for shots, worming, neutering or spaying, registration & licensing, food, cat litter, toys, kennels, etc...they all add up.

• If you rent or live in a condo be sure to check your lease and/or condo association rules. Are pets allowed?
• Be a responsible pet owner. Be sure to have your new pet spayed or neutered!  

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Weddings at Mulberry Lane Farm

We were honored to be the photo shoot location for the 2012 Wedding Magazine - Green Bay.  Special thanks to Allison Kline of Sash&Bow (www.sashandbow.com) for her assistance in organizing the event. 

 To see the full issue visit
http://www.theweddingmagazine.net/green_bay

  
Here are the pics you'll find in the magazine taken at Mulberry Lane Farm.  Now, sit back, enjoy & picture yourself on your special day in these photos... 

If you are looking for a wedding venue that's unique, truly country, & unlike any other, then Mulberry Lane Farm may be just for you. Call or email for available dates.  
920-989-3130 or mulberrylanefarm@yahoo.com

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Christmas Gift They'll LOVE!

Know a child who LOVES animals!  Tired of seeing them play with their new Christmas toys for a day, two at best and then tossed in the closet for the rest of the year?  

Give a gift that keeps on giving.  An annual pass to visit Mulberry Lane Farm.  $25.00 per person. Unlimited visits.

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