Donkey teeth and bird nests...

Once a year the large animal veterinarian comes out and checks all my animals. They get the necessary vaccines, and a physical. This year we arranged for her to "float" the donkeys teeth, too. Because equine teeth grow throughout their lifetime, they need to be filed once a year or so. As they grow, they can wear unevenly and sharp points can form, irritating their cheeks and/or tongue.  Last fall Abraham had a broken tooth which required a visit from the equine dental $pecialist. We all agreed that my regular vet would check him and take care of all of the donkeys teeth while she was here this spring. Today was the day.

One at a time, each donkey received a mild sedative. Then this huge, metal speculum was placed in their mouths to open their jaws. A sturdy stand gave them a place to rest their sleepy heads. The cloth over their eyes cushioned the strap over their forehead. The vet has a special, motorized tool that she uses to file the sharp bits and uneven teeth. Unfortunately she found several more broken teeth in Abraham's mouth, and a few wiggly incisors. She thinks he is a good bit older than his previous owner thought he was, probably in his mid 20's. He may need some extractions in the fall, we will watch him carefully and see how he is eating.  Sarah had one back molar that was much too tall, throwing off her bite. Sharp points on her teeth had caused painful looking ulcers on her cheeks. She will feel much better in a few days.  Jezebel had a broken tooth, as well, but it does not seem to be bothering her.

Abraham and Sarah were perfect angels throughout the process. Jezebel was far more feisty, requiring special handling, extra sedation, and a sense of humor as even sedated she literally growled as the exam progressed. 

Released from care but still sedated, the poor donkeys stumbled around, looking like they had a big night on the town and way too many bottles of beer. 

Here are Abraham and Saran, heads hanging, standing in the doorway to the donkey dorm while Jezebel was having her turn They stood there the entire time, swaying unsteadily, occasionally resting their soft noses on the ground, their exhaled breath blowing shavings around in small puffs. 

Once done with the donkeys, the vet and her assistant gave each of the goats their annual shots, and Iggy, the only boy kid, was relieved of his testicles. 

 He had general anesthesia, and local, as well. A shot of antibiotics, and one of pain reducer. When it was all over he sat groggily in the vets lap for a while, then suddenly hopped off and ran out the door to rejoin the herd. He shows no sign of knowing anything is wrong, is eating and playing just like always. 

The day is sunny and clear, but quite chilly with a brisk wind. I saw our first hummingbird here yesterday. I can only assume he was happy to find a feeder full of nectar, as there are precious few flowers blooming this cool spring. 

There is a lovely pair of bluebirds investigating the house near my studio windows. The male is a particularly vibrant blue, and quite flirtatious. While his beloved is in the nest box, or perched on top of it, he sits in adjoining birch and sings to her. Then he will dramatically lift first one wing, and then the next,up in the air. He fans his tail, too, as if to say, "Have you seen this angle? How about how blue I look when I do this?!"  I can only assume she finds him handsome, I know I certainly do. 

Meanwhile, an earnest looking young couple of tree swallows are investigating the real estate of bird  houses in the back yard. 

Less enjoyable are the messy, noisy starlings which have made multiple nests up under the eves, placed so that when they come and go they can conveniently splatter bird poo on my clean windows. I far prefer the bluebirds and swallows. 

Spring marches forward, one unseasonably chilly day at a time. It is marked on my calendar by slowly unfolding leaves on the trees, annual veterinary visits, and romancing birds.