It wasn't long before I figured out that a Barn Cam (security camera) would be beneficial for my (regular nightly) concern that I had regarding everyones safety i.e. so that I could sleep at night. After a little research, I decided a Canary brand would be my choice - and have not regretted it one minute. The Canary security cameras are durable in the extreme heat and cold in the non-climate controlled barn. No where does it say "for outside use" - but after installing a wifi extender in the barn, the Canary security camera was set up. It has always been set on a table, edging of the barn, etc, so that at anytime I can chose to move it's location based on which part of the barn I want to monitor. Maybe I want it to watch the chickens, the sheep, or a particular door to the barn. So whichever area or whatever animal I wish to monitor - it's doable. It works so well out there - I bought another one. These cameras have been placed in many different areas of the barn depending on the current set up or activity going on. It's fun to use at story times that we have, or when the ewes are going to be birthing their lambs soon, but most importantly, it's always at my fingertips to (using the Canary App) view the goings-on in the barn anytime, day or night.
Since we are constantly changing the configuration of the inside of the barn with movable fencing, one might find that from the inception of the security camera that we have had multitudes of areas with different animals for various reasons. That's the fun of it! I think the chicken area is the only area that has primarily not changed (maybe just increased in size). Let's take a trip down memory lane, along with some current day activities:
 |
| Older version |
 |
| Present day The area has been opened up for them as we expect lambs in the Spring. This also allows the dogs and sheep to come in and out via 2 door options. That's Deuce on the dog bed. |
The sheep pen. This particular area has ebbed and flowed in size, depending on the number of sheep we have. The sheep and guard dogs can come and go at their leisure. The camera (above) caught all the sheep chewing their cud and resting, along with many of the chickens. I'm guessing that it might have been raining and everyone is waiting it out together. Where is Levi and Whisper you ask? Either still outside the barn, or under the camera where there is more room for (esp) Whisper - as her favorite hang out spot when it rains/storms is "behind the bar", or hanging out laying with the sheep. **Side note: The prior owners had the barn set up with a pool table, bar, refrigerator, pool lights and was generally used as a Man Cave, from what we understood. They left that pool table there, too, as it was SO heavy that they dared not move it. We put it on CraigsList for Free.99 and had some takers come and attempt to lift and take it. And they did. 6 guys took it away and we were most grateful.
 |
| Transition at move-in |
Here's the hot mess it was as we attempted to take out what was left and begin moving in things (back in 2016). This was back when we had 2 chickens, Ginger and Butterscotch (RIP). Ginger is still the lead hen and well respected by the flock. Now, the pool table is in the left back corner with a cool pool table light hanging over it. I mean, it was okay. Any pool table would be difficult to remain in decent condition being in this environment. #AlwaysDusty.Always.
 |
| Sheep shearing time - Lauren is in the foreground watching this all take place. These two young ladies can shear a sheep like you pour a cup of coffee. #BadA$$ |
The events that occur in the barn are often caught on camera. Good and bad, mostly good. The sheep shearing is hard to replay and watch because it's so stressful for the sheep. This particular year, Lauren was my stand-in for assisting with this project. Thanks, Lauren! I got to watch it remotely from my phone. That's the thing about the Barn Cam, the App on my phone allows me to see it Live or go back (up to) 2 weeks and watch any activity that took place during that time.
I'll pause here and say that at first, I used a setting on my phone that alerted me to "Barn Activity". Then, I could go check it out. Any movement in the barn would trigger this. As you can imagine, it was constant notifications. I now just check it randomly myself. At work, lying in bed, in the kitchen or anywhere - I can see what's happening inside the barn. It's my personal reality show right at my fingertips, on my phone. You likely have these same type of security cameras in your own home. Same thing, you can hear all the noises and watch all the action. I often check it during the day to see what's shaking in the barn.
 |
| Story Time Event We project the book pages up on the side on the barn (right), and I read the stories, while my AV expert, Farmer Graves operates the Projecter. This is all after we sing Old MacDonald and do the Chicken Dance. |
On this occasion, the Barn Cam was strategically placed so that we could get a birds eye view of the event. We've had anywhere from 70 (first event we had) to 120 adults/children (this last event) that come to these events to pet and feed the animals, along with singing and read books. When everyone leaves with all 10 fingers, we're pleased.
If you notice where the hammerhead shark is, we have since opened up that wall to include a door, and added fencing there as well. It all started because we needed a place for Whisper to be penned for 3 months after her surgery. Then, it became a stall for the horses and goats, who have access to the side and back pasture (sheep have access to the front pasture).
  |
| Dora and Diego love their stall. They share (pretty) well with Chia and her kids Petunia and Dotty. The goats and mini horses rival whose feistiest. |
The goats and mini horses make great roommates because of their particular demeanors. Since the sheep are so docile, it's best they do not pasture with these bad influences.
 |
| Kiddos at night, with the night vision on |
 |
| Love these cuties! |
Even at night, it's easy to see what everyone is doing. The goats and mini horses go in and out of stall at will - and often off and on all night. Sometimes they sleep in the stall and sometimes outside, weather dependent. They all prefer to be outside if possible, unless there's inclement weather or food in the stall.
 |
| Shut in their stall awaiting the farrier, very patiently |
 |
| She arrives, and keeps their hooves looking pristine. |
I learned something (many things!) from the farrier, whose name happens to be Shannon. Shannon is a horse person. She talks horse, has horses, and is a wealth of information that I so desperately need. She informed me that she thinks Diego is Dora's colt. AND that Dora is not 10 years old, but 20 years old. And that Dora appears to have likely been used as a baby horse maker and is not in that great of health. Poor Dora, you are safe here and can rest easy now. It all explains so much though! Dora and Diego are so close....because they are mother/son. Geez, the lady that gave them to me told me nothing really, looking back. It's all becoming clear now. I'm happy we can provide them a good home, and look forward to helping Dora get on a better path. We've started her on medication, as well as a new diet to help her be her best self. I also found out she must have birthed a mini horse not that long before coming to us, as her milk is still there, and trying to dry up. Wow. It's almost as surprising as it was to buy goats that were already pregnant. Just saying. Lots of secrets going on in the world of farm animals on CraigsList.
 |
| Levi and Whisper's Dinner Table |
Whisper and Levi eat in the barn, in the Sheep Pen area, on their table. Sometimes the sheep bother them while they're trying to eat, but the dogs "bark them off" and let them know not to eat their food. The sheep then usually skedaddle out the door and head back outside. Whisper and Levi deserve time to eat and enjoy their food. They work 24/7 after all. There is no food that goes to waste here on the farm. From plate to animal, there's animals that will eat any left overs, aging foods or extra food. Rarely does any food go in the trash. I even have people at work bring me their extra unwanted food that would have otherwise been thrown away, and depending on the food genre, it gets fed to an animal. Between the ducks, chickens and goats.....they eat most things. The mini horses diet is strict due to the nature of that type of horse, and the sheep are pickier (you'd never know it by looking at them).
 |
| What's wrong with this picture |
It's 2:35 in the afternoon, and I'm at work. If I look at the Barn Cam, it shows Maybe in the barn, eating the chicken food/scratch off the barn floor. So that explains her weight gain. Chicken food - she loves it. She's a sneaky sneak who waits until we are gone, and although having breakfast of her own, cleans up in the barn. There may or may not being some chicken poo eating going on, too.
 |
| Curious Maybe |
At one point, the Barn Cam was placed on the ground to watch some possible possum activity. Maybe decided to investigate what exactly is in that shiny box.
There's been many things seen (funny, happy and sad) on the Barn Cam from chicken butts in front of the camera - to terrible tragedy's that are recorded in the life of having a farm. Throughout this continuing transformation of barn life, there is always hope and faith. Hope and Faith are two mainstays in my life. They are what I cling to every day, and every night when I lay my head down to sleep. Whenever there's a situation of the unknown (every night), having hope and faith (along with trust and prayer) is my way of coping and thriving. There's so many predators that want what we have. There's also unfortunate accidents and the circle of life swirling all around. The Barn Cams give me the connection I desire, to those I love.
I'll close with a few favorite photos.
Atop this wonderful barn is our mermaid. She tells us wind direction, and swims beautifully with perfect form, every day.
At the entrance to the gravel drive, we deemed our road as Lovebird Lane. Behind that sign, is our Purple Martin bird houses swaying in the wind, high above the pond. You'll often find Whisper and Levi out here monitoring things, and the sheep grazing and enjoying their lives. Now, with the beautiful white ducks sailing on the pond, they make it all complete.
At the end of the gravel drive, this is what you find. Simple and sweet. When the barn is bigger than the other buildings, that's when you know you've arrived Home.
Stay well,
Cyndi
