Today at around 11 AM, I gathered the ewe herd into the pen and I counted the sheep, tagged the lambs, and castrated the ram lambs. Here’s what I found. Keep in mind that I have a separate ram herd of 7 rams. I expected 54 ewes, so I am missing about 8 of them.… Continue reading Sheep Census 2025-11-10
Category: Sheep
Keeping the wire at 1′
Greg Judy is famous for using only a single wire to keep the sheep where they belong. Most people I know need multiple wires, if not 3 or 4, to accomplish the same. One bit of advice I gleaned from his books is that sheep won’t leave as long as there is forage. The minute… Continue reading Keeping the wire at 1′
I had some hoof issues
Saturday May 10th, 2025 was a busy day. I worked on all the sheep along with two of my kids, my wife, and two neighbors who wanted to help. I used the chute to process the sheep. It made it so much easier to catch and process each sheep. I think next time I will… Continue reading I had some hoof issues
Hotwire Training Sheep (Specifically)
I noted yesterday that the sheep were crossing the wire willy-nilly. It seems they really don’t care much for it at all. It’s time to review what I know about hotwire and what I can do about it. First, hotwire only works because it is psychological. The animals don’t get hurt when they get zapped.… Continue reading Hotwire Training Sheep (Specifically)
On doctoring sheep
My plan is to raise sheep with as little inputs as possible. By “inputs” I mean things I buy at the store and feed or give to the animals. My thinking is as follows. In short: That’s about it. Treating sick sheep doesn’t make much sense to me, especially if I am just doctoring it… Continue reading On doctoring sheep
I think the rams and the puppy like each other
I was counting dogs in the ram pen and I noticed one was missing. I think she likes the rams.
RAM 0005 has Chlamydial Polyarthritis
I noticed today (2024-09-05) that RAM 0005 was lying down and didn’t seem to want to get up. When I approached he slowly stood up and it was clear that something was wrong with his front left leg. Two of the joints were swollen. Doing a quick internet search and reading some articles it became… Continue reading RAM 0005 has Chlamydial Polyarthritis
Treating #36
#36 is a ewe that presented with severe hoof problems. I was finally able to catch her and apply 5% Copper Sulfate solution and Footcure with a wrap. She also broke her hoof wall which probably caused a lot of pain. It took her a while but she fully recovered after about a week.
I actually caught 2 lambs being born
Rams and Lambs
We moved the rams and the bottle lambs into our backyard. The rams will stay until November, when they will breed. The lambs until they are weaned. I have about half an acre in my backyard, which should be able to feed, easily, 4 sheep. I haven’t setup a rotational system yet, but I plan… Continue reading Rams and Lambs