We have wild geese in northern NM and when we hear them going south we know Fall is imminent. In the Spring when hey return it's a joyful sound. As a child my parents had Muscovy ducks. Many years later I went to Russia and saw Muscovys, and realized why they were called that: Moscow.
I'm in the States and weeping willows are used a lot in parks where there's ponds or creeks. Or where it's a flood plain. They are beautiful and grow fast. The only problem I've seen are they are very prone to aphids. But you have chickens, so not a problem. Your property is looking wonderful. Every good wish.
Having spent my childhood in a soggy area of dairy farming I love willows.If planted judiciously they are wonderful and whether ordinary or weeping they are pretty too in my opinion .Your low lying pond is a perfect location for those heavy water users and will beautify the environment as well ❤.It’ll be great to get back into the renovations and add the flesh to the bones of your dream.Happy New Year .
That door won't win a prize for its beauty but its practical, takes care of a problem and reuses material instead of buying new and spending more money! My motto is to give it as many lives as you can before you send it down the road....Love the work you're doing!
I am no pro on building but horticulture is my thing. Where you have clay soils prone to waterlogging it will be important for you to think about having some evergreen trees in addition to some beautiful deciduous ones like your willow. Deciduous use minimal water in winter whereas evergreen will continue to take up water and help reduce waterlogged soils. Hollies are great and pines (you can get some small ones). For something a little different you could try arbutus unedo 😊
We inherited a willow hedge when we bought our smallholding on the Isle of Wight in southern England 15 years ago. We planted cuttings and grew more hedges, I sold rooted cuttings as cheap hedging and learnt to make willow baskets. Later we planted some corkscrew willows which are really pretty. They're very useful, beautiful trees.
Your hard work and commitment to this huge task are so impressive, but what really warms my heart is your compassion for animals. I was so happy when you gave that lonely donkey a new home, and now he has a friend. Wishing you continued success with all your endeavours.
Just to join the chorus for Willows! I’m an Aussie who grew up on a very wet muddy farm in the Otways in Victoria. We had a creek in the bottom of our valley that had very beautiful Weeping Willows along its banks. They were such a special mysterious romantic haven for a bunch of free roaming kids to hide under, climb on and imagine faraway places under. They helped soak up the sloppy mud that the cows would kick up in the wet valley floor. The cows actually loved them too! 😀 They were always symmetrically pruned off at cow height on the edges the cows could reach, but on the other side, hang down in a romantic curtain that made it like a tent against the banks. Get them with JOY because they are special for what you need! ❤
Yes to the Weeping Willows Judithmoyle described them so well I think they are majestic trees. I used to live not far from the Otway and we had them on the land to.🌳
Herding Dog = a Dog Who is Always Wearing the Boss Dog Hardhat. I’ve had herding dogs my entire life, we had a horse farm, and now that we’ve retired, we still have acreage and a few horses. I love herding dogs. They don’t miss a thing. 😂 When their humans are up and moving, they are “on duty.” They’re also a blast at a garden party. You can watch them subtly crowd the humans into a tight knot. The people realize it, and spread out around the lawn… and the dog (or dogs!) goes back to work. Best thing for a herding dog is a fulfilling life. This sweet girl has the best life with a farm full of stock and loving people like Bec, Sam and the kiddos. She is so lucky they adopted her. 💛
Wind in the Willows - Toad Hall - I can see some lovely literary moments happening by your pond. I think willows are simply beautiful. Loved the peaceful ending watching Team Quacker. What a lovely addition to your family!
A manic twelve weeks ahead, but you will get there with the work ethic you have. The ducks bring the pond to life, and make it a real focal point. A living willow fence around the sides of the pond without drainage pipes would give you a clear view of the pond and would drink up a lot of that water, with a few other native species of tree dotted here and there. The 'finish line' is now in view, you've got this :)
I'm going to get a flight, come to Ireland and either sew back on or cut off the bit of flapping reflective material on that coat..:) :) In seriousness though Happy New Year and as always ty for bringing us with!
Your brooder is a tad newer than the one I used. Heat source was a light bulb. Left sides open so chicks could move away from too much heat when needed. Wooden square outside stopped them wandering too far.
My son Sean, and I laughed watching the "netting" dance. We had a similar experience this morning, but we had a few colorful words to assist us. It did seem to help us a wee bit ;-). Always grand to watch your progress and see your vision, thank you all so much. Slainte
Willows on wet ground are the hot setup. Besides, when they get big you can lay under them and watch the sun flashing through the leaves. Moving right along gang. Moving right along.
Hey Becca, my cousin lives in Missouri, and when it’s cold and rainy there she keeps her baby chicks in a large storage container with a heat lamp over it to keep them warm. She uses straw or wood shavings as bedding to also keep them warm. I’m so excited to see them, I absolutely love all the animals! I hope that you, Sam, and the kids all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 😊❤
I live in Pennsylvania near the Delaware River where there are many creeks and ponds. There are many weeping willow trees near the wet areas and they are beautiful. I have two giant willow trees near my pond that have been great keeping the areas near the pond less wet. I love looking at them. When my kids were young they loved playing under the weeping branches. I don’t know why people don’t like them unless they live on small pieces of property where there isn’t enough room for them. It will be exciting to see the progress on the inside of the house in the coming weeks. The makeshift door will be perfect until the new door and windows are installed. We have mallard ducks that fly into our pond as visitors. Some stay for a while and in the spring we usually have baby ducks until they are old enough to fly away. I think they go pond hopping and spend time in the river but it’s always nice when they visit. ❤
Happy New Year! About trees...seeing all the mud made me thing of what we usually do up here in Scandinavia when we have areas that are very wet. We plant birch trees because they use a lot of water. I especially like the type that are smallish with very white bark, they are beautiful in the summer and filter the light very well. Plus it's excellent firewood when you decide they get too big and need changing to new trees.
oh wow, thats cool! I never knew that, I was hating that mud too, and did not know this and would definitely do this at my place here in Canada if I ever get that much mud! I cant wait for them to get that stage, what a great tip. that mud was remarkable to me!
@@theirishhomesteadSilver birch have been discovered to absorb more pollutants than any other,that’s why more of them have been planted near motorways and tips recently.
Omg it’s like untangling Christmas lights 😂 18:20 I LOVE Indian Runner Ducks. They really took to their pond immediately didn’t claimed it and wouldn’t leave 😅 - just like kids at the pool! 😂 Lol They’ll be so happy with you. Loved that they finally put themselves to bed! I’m sure you are looking forward to a large flock running around - they are so fantastic and interesting to watch! And I thought if it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all ….. check this out! 3 years ago we bought chicks at the feed store. We each picked out one a piece for the 7 of us. We ended up with 6 hens and one rooster - I kid you not! (There’s some elusive Irish luck for ya!) THEN we go out there one day and we’ve got another adult hen 😆 I swear we ask all our neighbors who keep chickens and “nope it’s not one of ours” we ended up luring an additional hen from who-knows-where !?! lmao so anyway here’s another oddity of our flock we have one hen who won’t let ANYONE else sit tight - she broods them all and insists she’s the only hen who can hatch 🐣 it’s pretty hilarious to me - she runs the roost! She hatched 3 out of a huge clutch …. So holy crap we are blessed with an over abundance of eggs and geeze guys it gets expensive to feed them well especially the black fly larvae. There’s 2-3 hens that routinely jump over the coop fence and forage around all over - they will go to my side yard where I have my bird feeders and run off all the birds lmao they are bad asses! 😂🤣 Great to see y’all in 2025 Peace and Blessings ✨🕊️💚☘️💚🕊️✨
Weeping willows are perfect for your drainage problem, plus they are beautiful, provide shade in the summer too. We had a rope and Tyre attached to our big willow when we were kids, a great swing. Lovely to see your brother helping out, a special memory.
" Look at that! It's hinged, self closing...." I think you have missed your vocation as an Estate Agent Sam!😂🤣🎉. I am proud of you both. You are bringing 'Waste not want not' back into vogue. Happy New Year!!
Y’all’s comedic sides sure came through in this episode! I enjoyed every minute. Edited to add I saw that fancy bit of editing when Sam went to fetch the tin. 😊
I was so happy to see the new video and never want it to end. It has been a joy watching you work to make your dream come to fruition. Love the ducks! You are creating something special for your family and community and I just want to thank you for bringing us along with you. I am so invested in your progress and look forward to each video and wish you all the best in the new year! Jan, Ohio, USA.
"In Ireland, the oak tree is well-suited for wetland areas. Specifically, the sessile oak (Quercus petraea) is the traditional Irish oak and is commonly found on poor acid soils, often in hilly regions. This tree is known for its ability to thrive in damp conditions, making it suitable for wetlands. Additionally, the common oak (Quercus robur) is another native oak species that can also handle wet environments. Both species are important ecologically, providing habitats for various plants and animals. They are often found in areas like Killarney in County Kerry and the Glen of the Downs in County Wicklow." Quote A.I.response on Google, but you both probably know this info anyway. Go native, I say. Cheers from South Oz.
Weeping willows are gorgeous. I’m sure it’s my fellow Americans warning you about the damage both underground & above ground. Their branches get very heavy, so when they split can cause a lot of damage. But you have the perfect placement for one! You’re not going to worry about all the leaves dropping bc it’ll just compost down & build up your soil. Our yard is lower than our neighbors. When it rains, their yards drain into ours & becomes a pond. We raised it with soil then planted fast growing shrubs that suck up water. It does work. Ireland is notoriously a rainy country, which is why it’s so green & gorgeous. All the Irish channels I watch deal with lots of mud & rusting of anything metal. Ppl have to remember, climates & situations are much different. You have to adjust, just like you’re doing.
There are lots of "camping heaters" available for £10 or less which run on kerosene. Just make a chicken wire cage to put round it so the chicks do not get too close. We used to use an old hurricane lamp and raised many hundreds of chicks quite safely.
Annnnddd they're off, out of the gates and heading down the straight with great speed! Wonderful to see you both back and to hear you've had a good break Sam. Here's hoping 2025 brings you (and your children) massive progress with your lovely home and great happiness with all you do here 🥂🍾. As always, thank you for sharing your lives with us.
I couldnt help but laugh at your door,it's probably what I would of done! But as long as it works that's what matters! Glad you and Becky had a great Christmas! See you all next week!😊
Windows, doors and ducks ohhhh myyyy!!!! LOL. I imagine the willow tree comments probably did come from here in the states. I love willow trees but because we always seem to be in drought conditions, especially here in Texas it's not a tree that anyone recommends to plant. I would plant one if I knew it would get enough water without me having to water it from the tap. I think in your situation....plant the willows, they will look beautiful and offer wonderful shade for the ducks in the heat of the summer. Happy New Year to you all from your friend across the pond!
I don’t know much about chicken husbandry but as far as I know that sort of brooder had a kerosene lamp to provide heat. The pyramid shape is an anti-roost design just to stop them trying to sit on it and poop all over it. The thing you turned is a chimney to allow the fumes out. The glass was probably to block a draft without unsighting them in case a predator was approaching. It’s unlikely it would’ve been on all sides because you don’t want them trapped in case they get too hot.
I don't know which donkey it is, but when one of them brays it always sounds like its feeling sorry for itself😅, & its always when Beck is about. I think that donkey has worked out she is a soft touch when it comes to the animals. Il bet she has a really big & good heart. She is amazing so hard working & will tackle anything. You both remind me of my late husband & i. When he do jobs i was always the goffer, when i asked him when id qualify he always said "You'll know when its time". I found out when it was time, when at 48yrs old he literally dropped dead in front if me. No illness no warning a really fit healthy man. However all that time being the goffer, he taught me how to manage to do all those jobs others wait for a man to do. It was a wonderful gift to leave behind. He would have loved your channel & watching all the building work.
Sending Prayers for timelines, new explorations and witty invention! Blessings. You return our hearts to the beauty of "simple" though we know thats not always the case!
How exciting to have the ducks an see your animal kingdom growing. Best wishes for a blessed and constructive 2025. Remember to smell the roses along the way. ❤
Happy New Year and greetings from NZ. I think the brooder you have there is a heat lamp - they were either gas or electric. Try googling Hoeft galvanized chicken heater brooder for a very similar looking one
Your chicken brooder is a Hoeft style galvanized chicken heater brooder. From what I can find online, It’s missing a heating element and the glass/wire around the bottom. They were made by Hoeft Good Poultry Equipment. That’s all I could find about them. Love your channel.
Happy New Year! by this time next year you will be sitting in your beautiful cottage reflecting on all you have accomplished! Love the ducks! Keep on keeping on - you are both amazing!
I have seen eucalyptus being used to dry up land in Turkey. I also found this on RUclips this morning: Eucalyptus dry up wet ground by Craig Mitchell. It looks like he is in Ireland too. A very happy and healthy New Year to you all.
I personally love weeping willows. My great grandmother had a huge beautiful one in her English style front garden in Utah. I have fond memories of playing under it as a young child. She had a park bench under it that she used to sit on and read in its shade. I live in Australia now. They are actually against the law to plant here because they are such thirsty plants. Your plans are a brilliant use for such a wonderful tree.
You finally got your quackers! Congrats. It was lovely to see you both again for the start of this New Year. Hoping all goes smoothly for you without much stress. Oh, as an American, I adore Willow Trees! We used to have 2 of them at the end of our driveway on each side of the drive. Keeping them trimmed so you could see the roadway when backing out was a fun chore. My favorite was using the cut limbs, stripped the leaves, and putting crabapples on the end and flinging them at each other (lol). Love love love the willows. :)
@@theirishhomestead Willows are such a great source for basket weaving..nice little money makers for the local market days..easy to make ..in a variety of styles for different uses...beautiful additions for your landscaping..moisture control..and products...saplings can be cultivated for sales...always a wise choice...
I have a one year old corgi mix puppy, that loves your videos. He spent his first 4 months on a farm roaming free, so something about your videos keeps him watching, 😊
Happy 2025! Pollard Willow is great to use around your garden. And very easy to grow, just put a stick in the ground. The Flemish farmers used them in the olden days. Not only are they beautiful (I find them to look mystical with all the knots and strange forms) but they suck up much water. And you can use the branches for firewood if you leave them to thicken up a few years, or if you cut the twigs every year, you can use them to weave things (baskets, Christmas wreaths, ... that could give you an extra income (perhaps even do workshops). You have them in a few natural colors. I know farmers who sell the twigs in bundels to garden centers and flower shops.
@katrienvh4289 what great advice about using the willows in so many ways! I do hope there is a garden centre nearby and craft shops so that the willow stems could be harvested and sold as a side income perhaps. Other folk have suggested planting silver birch in that boggy ground, also. It would help to dry it up and be so beautiful along with the willows.
@@shelaghrichardson1294 silver birch is beautiful, but a very big disadvantage is the pollen they produce. A lot of people have allergies for that pollen (hay favor). "Birch pollen allergy is thought to affect approx. 25% of hay fever sufferers. Birch pollen is highly allergenic and one of the most potent allergens, triggering not only allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis symptoms, but also Pollen food syndrome (i.e. allergies to certain plant based foods)." (source Allergy UK). A nice alternative could be "Royal Medlar" trees. They provide food for the bees after other trees stop flowering and they want to keep bees. And you can make very lovely jam from the fruit in the fall.
I love how both of you make the best of everything. I love watching your channel so much Love. Thank you for turning this place into a home for your family and a beautiful place for the planet. Take care from the US.
Glad to see you back on deck. Hope someone helps you with that brooder. Willows are gluttons for water and thrive on a water source like yohr pond. If you plant them strategically they will make a great shade tree to sit under. Being Ireland is extremely wet you cannot go wrong. Be mondful if their root system as they can be invassive.
I live on a farm in western Canada where trees in the willow family are native and grow everywhere. People also plant them in the landscape and in windbreaks. They are common along rivers, lakes and ponds. Nothing bad about willows here.
So happy you finally got your ducks! And I love Sam's "Frankenstein" duck hutch (his words, not mine🥰). Sam is a master of improvisation whether it's a duck hutch, a wind/rain barrier, or a man-hole cover. It was so good to see Isabella. Is it my imagination, or has she grown several inches since we last saw her? Oh, that brings to mind Sam's attempt to put up the fencing for the ducks before he fetched Isabella to help him - the music accompanying that was so appropriate, and hilarious as well. By the way, the ducks are loverly. And the chick incubator is fascinating. Can't wait to see what transpires there. And don't worry. Bit by bit and one day at a time, you'll get everything in order by the time that grant period ends. Have a happy weekend and know we're with you on your journey - cheering you on.
Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sadly, I realised yesterday that the kids and I are back in the UK from 16th til 28th so I had to scrap the chick hatching plan! Luckily, they had only been in the incubator a day when I realised. Oh well we will start again once we are back. 😫
Wonderful to have you guys back vlogging with renewed energy 👍👍 Well done on recycling material Sam … especially for temporary purposes. I think we all could see the frustration building with that fence 🤣😂. We have all been in those situations !!!! And so here is to a very productive 12 weeks … ready for the inspection, which you two are going to nail it !!! Durban SA🇿🇦
Oh you also need to attach long poles that extend past the ends of the duck hutch. That way, you have carry handles. Like those ancient egyptian chairs they carried the Kings around in. I forget what they are called. Caravans?
I love that you’re sharing this journey with me. I say me because I so enjoy it. I love your ingenuity. Happy New Year 🎆 I look forward to your cracking on. 😊
The ducks are wonderful. Good luck with the chicks hatching, great experience. Excellent use of stuff lying around with duck house, ramp, temporary door, and concrete form work. All the very best to you for 2025. In Australia we have more of a problem with not enough water but some rural properties use rows of Chilean Willows, good as wind break as well.
Alders particularly and Aspen work well for boggy ground. Maybe a ph and soil texture test so you know what you have and the plants likely to thrive generally
A very Happy New Year to you all. Great updates, not just on the house, but across the whole homestead. It is lovely to see progress being made on so many fronts.
Happy new year Sam Becky and family. The animals are moving in rightly . I would love to have seen you all trying to chase them from the pond 🤣🤣. Nice to see Sam start the new year on a high and with his MD hat on . Well done on your fire service Sam . Good luck 🍀🍀🤞 god bless you all frank ❤😊 🫂🙏
Great to see you back at the Homestead and that you had a super Christmas with family. I would think you barely off loaded your luggage from the car before you were back at work on your various projects. 😅. Love the ducks. They certainly like their pond. First place they visited 😅 I wish you well with hatching home laid eggs. Excuse my ignorance, but once the chicks are hatched and a couple of weeks old do you take them to your hens for them to rear, and will the hens accept them as their own chicks ? Or do chicks automatically know how to scratch and forage for food ? I can watch chickens for hours. Just love chooks ❤😀 Wishing you all , and the animals and birds, a great 2025 filled with blessings of good health, good luck, loads of happiness, laughter, and timely project completions. 🤗🙏 Best regards 🌍🥰
The weeping willow is my favourite tree. You have the land so it is a perfect space. They are only bad if someone plants them in a sub-division/estate. You are in the perfect setting for them. Also I know thay are not indigenous but I have a very wet rear garden and my hydarangeas are fantastic in wet conditions (I believe the name means water pump.) As long as you do not use the invasive species they are fine as ornamental plants and on the west coast of Scotland they are brilliant in a wet garden. Loving the ducks ❤
Thanks Tracy. I plan on hydrangeas too to help with these boggy areas. It's good to plant native I know but variety is the spice of life isn't it!? 😉 Also anything that helps dry the land is a bonus here! It's literally a swamp! 😫
For us "amateur" chippy's, who have done conversions various, it amazes us when you just"knock up" a door or similar. Great you all met up with family and friends. So re-vitalised for this year. Looking forward to next Saturday already!!
Hello over there! I’m in Canada and a gardener. They have these heat mats for starting plants that might work for the bottom of the brooder or afixed to the sides to help keep the babies warm. Just a thought. I really admire your tenacity and work drive. All the best in the new year.
Happy New Year to you! Congratulations Sam on your acceptance to the fire service. It is great to see you will be getting into hatching chicks and those quackers certainly are a wonderful new addition! What a peaceful scene seeing them paddling about on the pond, it will be such a lovely place to sit and enjoy the scenery. I think adding a Willow tree or 2 will look perfect there. You've certainly got your work cut out for you in the weeks ahead but I have no doubt you'll manage it all just fine. 2025 is looking to be an absolute epic year for your family ❤
When you pulled out the chicken brooder my memory went back 70 or so years to the smell and warmth of the one my dad had set up on the barn floor. It was heated with a kerosine lamp and had sawdust on the floor. I think the opening on the front had a food tray and inside was an upside-down jar placed on a saucer that somehow provided just enough water. Many thanks for your weekly video, takes me back to a much simpler time long gone.
Be prepared for wastage on the stone slips , especially on the corner ones , if they're local go and pick them up yourself and inspect each box you pick up before you leave their showroom !!
The joyful quacking of the Indian Runners as they paddled around the pond was delightful! Glad they figured out the dusk routine. Fun video guys! A few challenges...mud, heavy duck house, fencing. Good luck on hatching chicks...that'll be amazing! The homestead is truly alive! Willows, River Birch and Cedars are great for boggy, wet areas. Cedars give a lovely evergreen buffer. River Birches have very interesting bark and leaves. Willows are just gorgeous...and provide Winter interest. Happy New Year to you all from Canada 🥳 🇨🇦 Extra cuddles to the equine, avian, feline, and canine fam from us here!🫶🐾🐔🦆🫏
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
Three ducks on a pond
A grass bank beyond
Blue skies in spring
White clouds on the wing
What a lovely thing to remember
in years 🦆🦆🦆💛
We have wild geese in northern NM and when we hear them going south we know Fall is imminent. In the Spring when hey return it's a joyful sound. As a child my parents had Muscovy ducks. Many years later I went to Russia and saw Muscovys, and realized why they were called that: Moscow.
@@LesleyRyan-d1eI didn’t know that…many in sofla…
I'm in the States and weeping willows are used a lot in parks where there's ponds or creeks. Or where it's a flood plain. They are beautiful and grow fast. The only problem I've seen are they are very prone to aphids. But you have chickens, so not a problem. Your property is looking wonderful. Every good wish.
Thanks that's good to know. 👍
They’re also super easy to propagate and grow fast. Definitely worth a google image search!
I believe Hazel trees like watery conditions. Happy new year to you all.
Moving the duck shed was like an episode of keystone cops silent movie
Having spent my childhood in a soggy area of dairy farming I love willows.If planted judiciously they are wonderful and whether ordinary or weeping they are pretty too in my opinion .Your low lying pond is a perfect location for those heavy water users and will beautify the environment as well ❤.It’ll be great to get back into the renovations and add the flesh to the bones of your dream.Happy New Year .
That door won't win a prize for its beauty but its practical, takes care of a problem and reuses material instead of buying new and spending more money! My motto is to give it as many lives as you can before you send it down the road....Love the work you're doing!
I thought the same.
It's the Concept of Good enough.. Don't need to be perfect don't need to be beautiful. It just need to work and do what it is intended to XD
I am no pro on building but horticulture is my thing. Where you have clay soils prone to waterlogging it will be important for you to think about having some evergreen trees in addition to some beautiful deciduous ones like your willow. Deciduous use minimal water in winter whereas evergreen will continue to take up water and help reduce waterlogged soils. Hollies are great and pines (you can get some small ones). For something a little different you could try arbutus unedo 😊
We inherited a willow hedge when we bought our smallholding on the Isle of Wight in southern England 15 years ago. We planted cuttings and grew more hedges, I sold rooted cuttings as cheap hedging and learnt to make willow baskets. Later we planted some corkscrew willows which are really pretty. They're very useful, beautiful trees.
The stove and the chimney will be the focal point and the picture you put up is beautiful. It will look gorgeous in your home
I am sipping my coffee out of an Irish Homestead mug & watching this new video! Life is good!!!
Your hard work and commitment to this huge task are so impressive, but what really warms my heart is your compassion for animals. I was so happy when you gave that lonely donkey a new home, and now he has a friend. Wishing you continued success with all your endeavours.
Just to join the chorus for Willows! I’m an Aussie who grew up on a very wet muddy farm in the Otways in Victoria. We had a creek in the bottom of our valley that had very beautiful Weeping Willows along its banks. They were such a special mysterious romantic haven for a bunch of free roaming kids to hide under, climb on and imagine faraway places under. They helped soak up the sloppy mud that the cows would kick up in the wet valley floor. The cows actually loved them too! 😀 They were always symmetrically pruned off at cow height on the edges the cows could reach, but on the other side, hang down in a romantic curtain that made it like a tent against the banks. Get them with JOY because they are special for what you need! ❤
Lovely description and great memories for you ❤
Sounds beautiful and practical 😊
Yes to the Weeping Willows Judithmoyle described them so well I think they are majestic trees. I used to live not far from the Otway and we had them on the land to.🌳
Advice from an old Texan from the USA…willows.
I remember my dad had that chicken heater,it had a large bulb to keep chickens warm!
Omg that dog so loyal,it’s watching everyone
Herding Dog = a Dog Who is Always Wearing the Boss Dog Hardhat. I’ve had herding dogs my entire life, we had a horse farm, and now that we’ve retired, we still have acreage and a few horses. I love herding dogs. They don’t miss a thing. 😂
When their humans are up and moving, they are “on duty.” They’re also a blast at a garden party. You can watch them subtly crowd the humans into a tight knot. The people realize it, and spread out around the lawn… and the dog (or dogs!) goes back to work. Best thing for a herding dog is a fulfilling life. This sweet girl has the best life with a farm full of stock and loving people like Bec, Sam and the kiddos. She is so lucky they adopted her. 💛
Wind in the Willows - Toad Hall - I can see some lovely literary moments happening by your pond. I think willows are simply beautiful. Loved the peaceful ending watching Team Quacker. What a lovely addition to your family!
Congratulations with your new job Sam.
Thank you.
A manic twelve weeks ahead, but you will get there with the work ethic you have. The ducks bring the pond to life, and make it a real focal point. A living willow fence around the sides of the pond without drainage pipes would give you a clear view of the pond and would drink up a lot of that water, with a few other native species of tree dotted here and there. The 'finish line' is now in view, you've got this :)
I'm going to get a flight, come to Ireland and either sew back on or cut off the bit of flapping reflective material on that coat..:) :)
In seriousness though Happy New Year and as always ty for bringing us with!
😂
Please do! I'll donate the scissors! 🤣
Looking forward to that episode
Maybe we should get a tour group going for that. I can sew &/or cut. LOL
😂😂😂
Your brooder is a tad newer than the one I used. Heat source was a light bulb. Left sides open so chicks could move away from too much heat when needed. Wooden square outside stopped them wandering too far.
Thanks for that. 👍
Oh yes heating bulb sometimes infra red rings a bell
My son Sean, and I laughed watching the "netting" dance. We had a similar experience this morning, but we had a few colorful words to assist us. It did seem to help us a wee bit ;-). Always grand to watch your progress and see your vision, thank you all so much. Slainte
I think willows are beautiful. Can't wait to see them
Thank you. I agree.
Willows on wet ground are the hot setup. Besides, when they get big you can lay under them and watch the sun flashing through the leaves. Moving right along gang. Moving right along.
Weeping willows are beautiful trees.👍🇭🇲🇭🇲
Yes they are! ♥️
Hey Becca, my cousin lives in Missouri, and when it’s cold and rainy there she keeps her baby chicks in a large storage container with a heat lamp over it to keep them warm. She uses straw or wood shavings as bedding to also keep them warm. I’m so excited to see them, I absolutely love all the animals! I hope that you, Sam, and the kids all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 😊❤
I live in Pennsylvania near the Delaware River where there are many creeks and ponds. There are many weeping willow trees near the wet areas and they are beautiful. I have two giant willow trees near my pond that have been great keeping the areas near the pond less wet. I love looking at them. When my kids were young they loved playing under the weeping branches. I don’t know why people don’t like them unless they live on small pieces of property where there isn’t enough room for them. It will be exciting to see the progress on the inside of the house in the coming weeks. The makeshift door will be perfect until the new door and windows are installed. We have mallard ducks that fly into our pond as visitors. Some stay for a while and in the spring we usually have baby ducks until they are old enough to fly away. I think they go pond hopping and spend time in the river but it’s always nice when they visit. ❤
Happy New Year! About trees...seeing all the mud made me thing of what we usually do up here in Scandinavia when we have areas that are very wet. We plant birch trees because they use a lot of water. I especially like the type that are smallish with very white bark, they are beautiful in the summer and filter the light very well. Plus it's excellent firewood when you decide they get too big and need changing to new trees.
Thanks for this. I'm definitely going to be adding birch in too. Lots of planting to do. ♥️👍
Birch are a better choice, hardwood, less prone to blow overs, less bug infestation, less prolific growth of new trees in unwanted areas.
oh wow, thats cool! I never knew that, I was hating that mud too, and did not know this and would definitely do this at my place here in Canada if I ever get that much mud! I cant wait for them to get that stage, what a great tip. that mud was remarkable to me!
An added plus is that birch trees can be tapped like sugar maples, birch sap has similar uses, plus is a lovely beverage.
@@theirishhomesteadSilver birch have been discovered to absorb more pollutants than any other,that’s why more of them have been planted near motorways and tips recently.
Watch that you don't bash that beautiful green door with that wheel barrow, it's a work of art!!
Omg it’s like untangling Christmas lights 😂
18:20
I LOVE Indian Runner Ducks.
They really took to their pond immediately didn’t claimed it and wouldn’t leave 😅 - just like kids at the pool! 😂 Lol They’ll be so happy with you. Loved that they finally put themselves to bed! I’m sure you are looking forward to a large flock running around - they are so fantastic and interesting to watch!
And I thought if it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all ….. check this out!
3 years ago we bought chicks at the feed store. We each picked out one a piece for the 7 of us. We ended up with 6 hens and one rooster - I kid you not! (There’s some elusive Irish luck for ya!) THEN we go out there one day and we’ve got another adult hen 😆 I swear we ask all our neighbors who keep chickens and “nope it’s not one of ours” we ended up luring an additional hen from
who-knows-where !?!
lmao so anyway here’s another oddity of our flock we have one hen who won’t let ANYONE else sit tight - she broods them all and insists she’s the only hen who can hatch 🐣 it’s pretty hilarious to me - she runs the roost! She hatched 3 out of a huge clutch …. So holy crap we are blessed with an over abundance of eggs and geeze guys it gets expensive to feed them well especially the black fly larvae. There’s 2-3 hens that routinely jump over the coop fence and forage around all over - they will go to my side yard where I have my bird feeders and run off all the birds lmao they are bad asses! 😂🤣
Great to see y’all in 2025
Peace and Blessings
✨🕊️💚☘️💚🕊️✨
Weeping willows are perfect for your drainage problem, plus they are beautiful, provide shade in the summer too.
We had a rope and Tyre attached to our big willow when we were kids, a great swing.
Lovely to see your brother helping out, a special memory.
Had to laugh at the music chosen while Sam struggled with the fencing for the ducks.
Seeing how wet your grounds are, maybe add some Birch trees? They use up a lot of water and are thus used a lot in watery areas
Plus Birch trees are beautiful to look at.
@@mione3690 river birch would be lovely.
Wonderful to have you back! Missed you terribly. You both are hard workers and amaze me with your stamina. Great job.
Thank you so much! That's nice to hear. ♥️
Consider common Alder Alnus glutinosa it is a native species and of course Birch. Happy New Year.
Great your back , missed seeing you all . Love the ducks , your really getting there now well done x
Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family nothing but the best for 2025!
" Look at that! It's hinged, self closing...." I think you have missed your vocation as an Estate Agent Sam!😂🤣🎉. I am proud of you both. You are bringing 'Waste not want not' back into vogue. Happy New Year!!
Failing that, Used Cars? Ha ha. Made me laugh too.
Thanks
Thank you! That's really kind of you
Y’all’s comedic sides sure came through in this episode! I enjoyed every minute. Edited to add I saw that fancy bit of editing when Sam went to fetch the tin. 😊
👍 Getting close to 100K
I was so happy to see the new video and never want it to end. It has been a joy watching you work to make your dream come to fruition. Love the ducks! You are creating something special for your family and community and I just want to thank you for bringing us along with you. I am so invested in your progress and look forward to each video and wish you all the best in the new year! Jan, Ohio, USA.
Well said! I so look forward to the next video every Saturday
I love the way you guys reuse material around the house ,very resourceful! You have made great progress.
Reuse, repurpose is great!
Willow is great for drying out land. You could also plant wild cherry and Aspen as they are happy in waterloged soil.
"In Ireland, the oak tree is well-suited for wetland areas. Specifically, the sessile oak (Quercus petraea) is the traditional Irish oak and is commonly found on poor acid soils, often in hilly regions. This tree is known for its ability to thrive in damp conditions, making it suitable for wetlands. Additionally, the common oak (Quercus robur) is another native oak species that can also handle wet environments. Both species are important ecologically, providing habitats for various plants and animals. They are often found in areas like Killarney in County Kerry and the Glen of the Downs in County Wicklow." Quote A.I.response on Google, but you both probably know this info anyway. Go native, I say. Cheers from South Oz.
There have been cases of oak processionary caterpillars in Ireland so worth checking it's not in your area before planting.
My parents had a brooder like that…I was fairly young but I seem to remember it having several “stories “.
Weeping willows are gorgeous. I’m sure it’s my fellow Americans warning you about the damage both underground & above ground. Their branches get very heavy, so when they split can cause a lot of damage. But you have the perfect placement for one! You’re not going to worry about all the leaves dropping bc it’ll just compost down & build up your soil. Our yard is lower than our neighbors. When it rains, their yards drain into ours & becomes a pond. We raised it with soil then planted fast growing shrubs that suck up water. It does work. Ireland is notoriously a rainy country, which is why it’s so green & gorgeous. All the Irish channels I watch deal with lots of mud & rusting of anything metal. Ppl have to remember, climates & situations are much different. You have to adjust, just like you’re doing.
There are lots of "camping heaters" available for £10 or less which run on kerosene. Just make a chicken wire cage to put round it so the chicks do not get too close. We used to use an old hurricane lamp and raised many hundreds of chicks quite safely.
Annnnddd they're off, out of the gates and heading down the straight with great speed! Wonderful to see you both back and to hear you've had a good break Sam. Here's hoping 2025 brings you (and your children) massive progress with your lovely home and great happiness with all you do here 🥂🍾. As always, thank you for sharing your lives with us.
Thank you so much. It's going to be a very busy 3 months! 😫🍀♥️
I couldnt help but laugh at your door,it's probably what I would of done! But as long as it works that's what matters! Glad you and Becky had a great Christmas! See you all next week!😊
Windows, doors and ducks ohhhh myyyy!!!! LOL. I imagine the willow tree comments probably did come from here in the states. I love willow trees but because we always seem to be in drought conditions, especially here in Texas it's not a tree that anyone recommends to plant. I would plant one if I knew it would get enough water without me having to water it from the tap. I think in your situation....plant the willows, they will look beautiful and offer wonderful shade for the ducks in the heat of the summer. Happy New Year to you all from your friend across the pond!
I don’t know much about chicken husbandry but as far as I know that sort of brooder had a kerosene lamp to provide heat. The pyramid shape is an anti-roost design just to stop them trying to sit on it and poop all over it. The thing you turned is a chimney to allow the fumes out. The glass was probably to block a draft without unsighting them in case a predator was approaching. It’s unlikely it would’ve been on all sides because you don’t want them trapped in case they get too hot.
I don't know which donkey it is, but when one of them brays it always sounds like its feeling sorry for itself😅, & its always when Beck is about. I think that donkey has worked out she is a soft touch when it comes to the animals. Il bet she has a really big & good heart. She is amazing so hard working & will tackle anything. You both remind me of my late husband & i. When he do jobs i was always the goffer, when i asked him when id qualify he always said "You'll know when its time". I found out when it was time, when at 48yrs old he literally dropped dead in front if me. No illness no warning a really fit healthy man. However all that time being the goffer, he taught me how to manage to do all those jobs others wait for a man to do. It was a wonderful gift to leave behind. He would have loved your channel & watching all the building work.
Sending Prayers for timelines, new explorations and witty invention! Blessings. You return our hearts to the beauty of "simple" though we know thats not always the case!
You got the job!!!! I must have missed that, well done Sam.
Watching all your animals fills my heart with such joy. They all love to be where you all are but still work hard as they go. ❤
I don't think that Sam really needed to explain that the green plastic door 'is just temporary' 🤣
🤣👍
Awww…I thought it looked quite attractive - sort of Boho.😊
How exciting to have the ducks an see your animal kingdom growing. Best wishes for a blessed and constructive 2025. Remember to smell the roses along the way. ❤
Very true. Thanks. ♥️
Lol I love me an old Frankenstein 🤣 Who cares as long as the duckies are safe and comfy 💖
Best wishes for the New Year! Oh, and congratulations with the new job - and the new ducks!
Happy New Year and greetings from NZ. I think the brooder you have there is a heat lamp - they were either gas or electric. Try googling Hoeft galvanized chicken heater brooder for a very similar looking one
The way you both get on with jobs throughout each day is a fine example for me to try to emulate in my life.
😂😂 The music is perfect for the unravelling of the netting.. made me laugh.
Happy New Year so pleased you allowed yourselves a wee break and I’m pleased your back sharing progress and the duckies
Your quakers,.........soooooo cute!❤Congrats with the new job Sam!
Your chicken brooder is a Hoeft style galvanized chicken heater brooder. From what I can find online, It’s missing a heating element and the glass/wire around the bottom. They were made by Hoeft Good Poultry Equipment. That’s all I could find about them. Love your channel.
Happy New Year! by this time next year you will be sitting in your beautiful cottage reflecting on all you have accomplished! Love the ducks! Keep on keeping on - you are both amazing!
I have seen eucalyptus being used to dry up land in Turkey. I also found this on RUclips this morning: Eucalyptus dry up wet ground by Craig Mitchell. It looks like he is in Ireland too. A very happy and healthy New Year to you all.
I personally love weeping willows. My great grandmother had a huge beautiful one in her English style front garden in Utah. I have fond memories of playing under it as a young child. She had a park bench under it that she used to sit on and read in its shade.
I live in Australia now. They are actually against the law to plant here because they are such thirsty plants. Your plans are a brilliant use for such a wonderful tree.
You finally got your quackers! Congrats. It was lovely to see you both again for the start of this New Year. Hoping all goes smoothly for you without much stress. Oh, as an American, I adore Willow Trees! We used to have 2 of them at the end of our driveway on each side of the drive. Keeping them trimmed so you could see the roadway when backing out was a fun chore. My favorite was using the cut limbs, stripped the leaves, and putting crabapples on the end and flinging them at each other (lol). Love love love the willows. :)
Lol that sounds amazing. I also love willows. I'm excited to finally get it in the ground soon.
@@theirishhomestead Willows are such a great source for basket weaving..nice little money makers for the local market days..easy to make ..in a variety of styles for different uses...beautiful additions for your landscaping..moisture control..and products...saplings can be cultivated for sales...always a wise choice...
I have a one year old corgi mix puppy, that loves your videos. He spent his first 4 months on a farm roaming free, so something about your videos keeps him watching, 😊
Welcome back, you’ve been missed ❤
Happy 2025! Pollard Willow is great to use around your garden. And very easy to grow, just put a stick in the ground. The Flemish farmers used them in the olden days. Not only are they beautiful (I find them to look mystical with all the knots and strange forms) but they suck up much water. And you can use the branches for firewood if you leave them to thicken up a few years, or if you cut the twigs every year, you can use them to weave things (baskets, Christmas wreaths, ... that could give you an extra income (perhaps even do workshops). You have them in a few natural colors. I know farmers who sell the twigs in bundels to garden centers and flower shops.
@katrienvh4289 what great advice about using the willows in so many ways! I do hope there is a garden centre nearby and craft shops so that the willow stems could be harvested and sold as a side income perhaps. Other folk have suggested planting silver birch in that boggy ground, also. It would help to dry it up and be so beautiful along with the willows.
@@shelaghrichardson1294 silver birch is beautiful, but a very big disadvantage is the pollen they produce. A lot of people have allergies for that pollen (hay favor). "Birch pollen allergy is thought to affect approx. 25% of hay fever sufferers. Birch pollen is highly allergenic and one of the most potent allergens, triggering not only allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis symptoms, but also Pollen food syndrome (i.e. allergies to certain plant based foods)." (source Allergy UK).
A nice alternative could be "Royal Medlar" trees. They provide food for the bees after other trees stop flowering and they want to keep bees. And you can make very lovely jam from the fruit in the fall.
Great to see the ducks and you guys so soon after Xmas
Rolling windows and doors and particularly fireplace, the heart of the cottage ❤❤❤
I love how both of you make the best of everything. I love watching your channel so much Love. Thank you for turning this place into a home for your family and a beautiful place for the planet. Take care from the US.
Glad to see you back on deck. Hope someone helps you with that brooder. Willows are gluttons for water and thrive on a water source like yohr pond. If you plant them strategically they will make a great shade tree to sit under. Being Ireland is extremely wet you cannot go wrong. Be mondful if their root system as they can be invassive.
Thanks for the tips! I'm counting on them soaking up the water. 🍀
Becky, male ducks have curly tail hope this helps , welcome back
And we are so happy to get back to it with you guys, Sam! Missed you and hope you all had a great holiday! Quack, quack!
I live on a farm in western Canada where trees in the willow family are native and grow everywhere. People also plant them in the landscape and in windbreaks. They are common along rivers, lakes and ponds. Nothing bad about willows here.
So happy you finally got your ducks! And I love Sam's "Frankenstein" duck hutch (his words, not mine🥰). Sam is a master of improvisation whether it's a duck hutch, a wind/rain barrier, or a man-hole cover. It was so good to see Isabella. Is it my imagination, or has she grown several inches since we last saw her? Oh, that brings to mind Sam's attempt to put up the fencing for the ducks before he fetched Isabella to help him - the music accompanying that was so appropriate, and hilarious as well. By the way, the ducks are loverly. And the chick incubator is fascinating. Can't wait to see what transpires there. And don't worry. Bit by bit and one day at a time, you'll get everything in order by the time that grant period ends. Have a happy weekend and know we're with you on your journey - cheering you on.
Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sadly, I realised yesterday that the kids and I are back in the UK from 16th til 28th so I had to scrap the chick hatching plan! Luckily, they had only been in the incubator a day when I realised. Oh well we will start again once we are back. 😫
Lots of lovely Willows please, they will not only look nice but help with the boggy area😊
Yes they are very thirsty.
That's the plan! 🌳
Wonderful to have you guys back vlogging with renewed energy 👍👍
Well done on recycling material Sam … especially for temporary purposes.
I think we all could see the frustration building with that fence 🤣😂. We have all been in those situations !!!!
And so here is to a very productive 12 weeks … ready for the inspection, which you two are going to nail it !!!
Durban SA🇿🇦
Wonderful watch as always, all the best to you all for the new year❤
Oh you also need to attach long poles that extend past the ends of the duck hutch. That way, you have carry handles. Like those ancient egyptian chairs they carried the Kings around in. I forget what they are called. Caravans?
I think they're called sedans.
Lol yes that would have helped but the problem is everything Sam makes is soo heavy it just makes us sink in the mud as we walk ♥️
i've always enjoyed raising ducks, love to hear them in the garden happily munching on bugs and making great nests under the sweet potato vines!
I love that you’re sharing this journey with me. I say me because I so enjoy it. I love your ingenuity.
Happy New Year 🎆
I look forward to your cracking on. 😊
The ducks are wonderful. Good luck with the chicks hatching, great experience. Excellent use of stuff lying around with duck house, ramp, temporary door, and concrete form work. All the very best to you for 2025. In Australia we have more of a problem with not enough water but some rural properties use rows of Chilean Willows, good as wind break as well.
Becky the best way to get rid of the mud is to plant more grass seeds, it will also help when weather is freezing to protect the pipes
Happy new year! Looking forward to seeing the adventures continue 😀
Happy new year! Thank you.
Alders particularly and Aspen work well for boggy ground. Maybe a ph and soil texture test so you know what you have and the plants likely to thrive generally
A very Happy New Year to you all. Great updates, not just on the house, but across the whole homestead. It is lovely to see progress being made on so many fronts.
Happy new year!
Happy new year Sam Becky and family. The animals are moving in rightly . I would love to have seen you all trying to chase them from the pond 🤣🤣. Nice to see Sam start the new year on a high and with his MD hat on . Well done on your fire service Sam . Good luck 🍀🍀🤞 god bless you all frank ❤😊 🫂🙏
An interesting video as usual, with ‘Bits & Bobs of your time. Happy 2025.
Great to see you back at the Homestead and that you had a super Christmas with family.
I would think you barely off loaded your luggage from the car before you were back at work on your various projects. 😅.
Love the ducks. They certainly like their pond. First place they visited 😅
I wish you well with hatching home laid eggs.
Excuse my ignorance, but once the chicks are hatched and a couple of weeks old do you take them to your hens for them to rear, and will the hens accept them as
their own chicks ? Or do chicks automatically know how to scratch and forage for food ? I can watch chickens for hours. Just love chooks ❤😀
Wishing you all , and the animals and birds, a great 2025 filled with blessings of good health, good luck, loads of happiness, laughter, and timely project completions. 🤗🙏
Best regards 🌍🥰
The weeping willow is my favourite tree. You have the land so it is a perfect space. They are only bad if someone plants them in a sub-division/estate. You are in the perfect setting for them. Also I know thay are not indigenous but I have a very wet rear garden and my hydarangeas are fantastic in wet conditions (I believe the name means water pump.) As long as you do not use the invasive species they are fine as ornamental plants and on the west coast of Scotland they are brilliant in a wet garden. Loving the ducks ❤
Thanks Tracy. I plan on hydrangeas too to help with these boggy areas. It's good to plant native I know but variety is the spice of life isn't it!? 😉 Also anything that helps dry the land is a bonus here! It's literally a swamp! 😫
I so much enjoyed watching the netting set up! 🤣😧🤔😁
For us "amateur" chippy's, who have done conversions various, it amazes us when you just"knock up" a door or similar. Great you all met up with family and friends. So re-vitalised for this year. Looking forward to next Saturday already!!
Hello over there! I’m in Canada and a gardener. They have these heat mats for starting plants that might work for the bottom of the brooder or afixed to the sides to help keep the babies warm. Just a thought. I really admire your tenacity and work drive. All the best in the new year.
Happy New Year! Willows are great later on also for making fences and weaving baskets (when the house is ready and you have nothing to do anymore 😂)
Ha I'm slightly concerned that day will never come. What with animal care, a big garden and veggie patch! 🤣
Happy New Year to you! Congratulations Sam on your acceptance to the fire service. It is great to see you will be getting into hatching chicks and those quackers certainly are a wonderful new addition! What a peaceful scene seeing them paddling about on the pond, it will be such a lovely place to sit and enjoy the scenery. I think adding a Willow tree or 2 will look perfect there. You've certainly got your work cut out for you in the weeks ahead but I have no doubt you'll manage it all just fine. 2025 is looking to be an absolute epic year for your family ❤
When you pulled out the chicken brooder my memory went back 70 or so years to the smell and warmth of the one my dad had set up on the barn floor. It was heated with a kerosine lamp and had sawdust on the floor. I think the opening on the front had a food tray and inside was an upside-down jar placed on a saucer that somehow provided just enough water. Many thanks for your weekly video, takes me back to a much simpler time long gone.
Love watching your videos, wow you work so hard but it is beautiful there and lovely to see the ducks in the pond and all the pets roaming around ♥️
Be prepared for wastage on the stone slips , especially on the corner ones , if they're local go and pick them up yourself and inspect each box you pick up before you leave their showroom !!
Great to see you back "firing on all cylinders" again Sam , and Bec, with new additions to the family, what a fab, start to the New Year!!!!! 🙂😁
Thank you. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you all, great to see you back and now with added quackers! 🎉
The joyful quacking of the Indian Runners as they paddled around the pond was delightful! Glad they figured out the dusk routine. Fun video guys! A few challenges...mud, heavy duck house, fencing. Good luck on hatching chicks...that'll be amazing! The homestead is truly alive! Willows, River Birch and Cedars are great for boggy, wet areas. Cedars give a lovely evergreen buffer. River Birches have very interesting bark and leaves. Willows are just gorgeous...and provide Winter interest. Happy New Year to you all from Canada 🥳 🇨🇦 Extra cuddles to the equine, avian, feline, and canine fam from us here!🫶🐾🐔🦆🫏
Thankyou for sharing your adventures for 2024 looking forward to this years accomplishments. 🌻
Good on you both, for all your creativity and ingenuity!👏👏👏