Re: [Blackbelly] New to Sheep
Thanks Donna-Marie, I appreciate the input. Most of my fencing has been tested by the goats, but I tried putting up something makeshift to separate the boys until I could figure out what to do with them. They took it down pretty easily :-) For their paddocks I have some close railed pipe corrals in most areas, and wire mesh fencing elsewhere. I agree that cattle panels work very well. I think I have them pretty well confined now. At least until they prove me wrong :-) The problem I was having is that while they tried to come with me for food, invariably one of the boys would start butting everyone and they all got distracted and took off. Now they come to me, eat out of my hand, and follow me everywhere. Life is much better now that all but one of the boys are elsewhere. Do most of you keep your young rams in bachelor flocks, rather than with the girls? I guess in a normal flock the dominant male would keep the young boys in line, but all of my rams are youngsters, so they have no adult supervision and discipline. Jann ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] New to Sheep
After fighting broken fences for years, I finally bought some cattle panels to pt inside the rams' paddock - problems resolved! When introducing new rams, do so in small area, after that mine live together in rams' paddock and seldom fight but do butt the panels (I think they like the resounding clang). When I had 1 ram, he used to but the big fir tree - the tree won but he'd keep trying. I sort mine in the barn as I have 2 stalls and the main area. I put grain in to get them in, then let them out individually into barn alley & open the proper door to where I want them. I have tried using my dogs to put them thru the sorting chute (I have too many to lock into chute) but find I'm spending 1/2 the time directing the dog. The nice thing about sheep versus other livestock, is that with sheep, if something doesn't work & goes to H** in a handbasket, wait 5 minutes & start again. My sheep don't usually think the same thing is about to happen & go willingly. The other thing is that a bucket of grain gets them moving in a much better mood/speed then a dog! When I first got my Am.Barbs (15 years ago), their old home had no living trees, bushes etc & when they first got to my place they would eat everything, they have since become pickier but still enjoy young bushes (esp. if the bush is in my garden). Donna-Marie www.teseko.com ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Tumbleweeds
These are definitely dried out and have come loose. They blow all over the place and make impossibly high piles everywhere. I have some piles of them against or between fences that are 8 feet high, 12 feet wide and 30 feet long. My sheep will never go hungry :-) Jann Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 22, 2013, at 4:36 PM, Michael Smith wrote: > > My sheep and Pygmy goats eat thistle once it's dried-- down to the nub. Also > rose branches from the garden. > > -MIchael, Perino Ranch blackbellies > > Sent from my iPad > >> On Nov 22, 2013, at 2:31 PM, Jann Bach wrote: >> >> Yes, they are horrible stickery things. There were a couple in the corral >> when I first unloaded the sheep and they immediately ate them even though >> they had plenty to eat in the trailer. I watched and then offered them a few >> more which they greedily devoured. I finally stopped giving them to the >> sheep as they were gobbling down every one I gave them. >> >> They could be priceless if this is the only flock of tumbleweed eating sheep >> in existence. I wanted to make sure it was ok for the sheep before giving >> them any more. They seem to prefer them over their hay and even their grain. >> I currently have a very generous supply of timbleweeds. >> >> Jann >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On Nov 22, 2013, at 2:36 PM, Carol Elkins wrote: >>> >>> Here in Colorado, tumbleweeds are primarily Russian thistle. My sheep don't >>> particularly like Russian thistle while it is still growing, except maybe >>> when it first sprouts and is still tender. As tumbleweeds, it is stickery >>> and not something they would eat. I'm surprised your sheep like them. Maybe >>> you could hire them out: >>> Eastern Colorado was overrun with tumbleweeds last week, making national >>> news. See >>> http://www.krdo.com/news/troublesome-tumbleweeds-cleanup/-/417220/23023000/-/epspacz/-/index.html >>> No one knows what to do with the tumbleweeds. Sounds like your sheep would >>> solve the problem! >>> >>> Carol >>> >>> At 01:26 PM 11/22/2013, you wrote: I have a question for the list. My new sheep love tumbleweeds. Is that ok for them to eat? >>> >>> Carol Elkins >>> Critterhaven--Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep >>> (no shear, no dock, no fuss) >>> Pueblo, Colorado >>> http://www.critterhaven.biz >>> >>> ___ >>> This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >>> Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info >> ___ >> This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >> Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Tumbleweeds
My sheep and Pygmy goats eat thistle once it's dried-- down to the nub. Also rose branches from the garden. -MIchael, Perino Ranch blackbellies Sent from my iPad > On Nov 22, 2013, at 2:31 PM, Jann Bach wrote: > > Yes, they are horrible stickery things. There were a couple in the corral > when I first unloaded the sheep and they immediately ate them even though > they had plenty to eat in the trailer. I watched and then offered them a few > more which they greedily devoured. I finally stopped giving them to the sheep > as they were gobbling down every one I gave them. > > They could be priceless if this is the only flock of tumbleweed eating sheep > in existence. I wanted to make sure it was ok for the sheep before giving > them any more. They seem to prefer them over their hay and even their grain. > I currently have a very generous supply of timbleweeds. > > Jann > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Nov 22, 2013, at 2:36 PM, Carol Elkins wrote: >> >> Here in Colorado, tumbleweeds are primarily Russian thistle. My sheep don't >> particularly like Russian thistle while it is still growing, except maybe >> when it first sprouts and is still tender. As tumbleweeds, it is stickery >> and not something they would eat. I'm surprised your sheep like them. Maybe >> you could hire them out: >> Eastern Colorado was overrun with tumbleweeds last week, making national >> news. See >> http://www.krdo.com/news/troublesome-tumbleweeds-cleanup/-/417220/23023000/-/epspacz/-/index.html >> No one knows what to do with the tumbleweeds. Sounds like your sheep would >> solve the problem! >> >> Carol >> >> At 01:26 PM 11/22/2013, you wrote: >>> I have a question for the list. My new sheep love tumbleweeds. Is that ok >>> for them to eat? >> >> Carol Elkins >> Critterhaven--Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep >> (no shear, no dock, no fuss) >> Pueblo, Colorado >> http://www.critterhaven.biz >> >> ___ >> This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >> Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] New to list
Thanks Mike and Michael :-) Jann Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 22, 2013, at 2:07 PM, Mike Hummel wrote: > > Hi Jann, and welcome. > > Here is some of the best advice you will get, at least IMHO. Go to a sheep > equipment supply website and find a sheep sorting gate. Build a chute, > sorting gate on one end some other gate on the other. > Life becomes far more simple. > > Mike > > >> On 11/22/2013 3:24 PM, mtnrdgr...@aol.com wrote: >> Hi List >> >> I am new to the list and new to sheep husbandry. I just got (arrived on Wed) >> a small flock of ten American Blackbelly Sheep and I live in Fountain, CO. >> >> I look forward to learning a lot about my new flock of sheep. I spent the >> morning separating my young rams from the main flock and found that there is >> a lot I don't know. I thought I would share my thoughts on some of it. I bet >> you have all been at this point and can appreciate my position. Any and all >> input or suggestions are more than welcome :-) >> >> >> Things I didn't know - >> >> Lesson #1 When one sheep runs, they all run. >> Lesson #2 Calm quiet sheep in a small confined area, all getting along well, >> suddenly become independent testosterone filled hellions once liberated. >> Lesson #3 When not confined, boy sheep fight. With everyone. And if it >> isn't enough to fight with the other boys and the girls a wooden box will do >> just fine. >> Lesson#4 It is not easy to separate sheep. I have a new admiration for sheep >> dogs. >> Lesson #5 No makeshift barrier is too tough for a sheep to tear down if he >> is determined enough. >> Lesson #6 See lesson #1. It is the true meaning of life. >> Lesson #7 If one sheep comes, they all come. >> Lesson #8 One person is almost too few to separate 3 sheep from the flock. >> Lesson #9 A portable panel is worth two humans. >> Lesson #10 I can out-muscle three young rams, but not by much. >> Lesson #11 Sometimes an open door is much scarier than being squished in a >> very small space. >> Lesson #12 When sheep are really worried, they lie down. >> Lesson #13 I cannot move a reclining sheep. >> Lesson #14 In retrospect I now understand why shepherds have "crooks". >> Lesson #15 Patience is a virtue. >> lesson #16 It takes about two hours to separate three rams from the flock of >> 10 and get them into a stall on the other side of the barn. >> Lesson #17 This is still easier than the Yaks! >> Lesson #18 I need a really good breakfast. I think lamb chops are on the >> menu. >> >> Jann >> >> >> >> ___ >> This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >> Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Tumbleweeds
Yes, they are horrible stickery things. There were a couple in the corral when I first unloaded the sheep and they immediately ate them even though they had plenty to eat in the trailer. I watched and then offered them a few more which they greedily devoured. I finally stopped giving them to the sheep as they were gobbling down every one I gave them. They could be priceless if this is the only flock of tumbleweed eating sheep in existence. I wanted to make sure it was ok for the sheep before giving them any more. They seem to prefer them over their hay and even their grain. I currently have a very generous supply of timbleweeds. Jann Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 22, 2013, at 2:36 PM, Carol Elkins wrote: > > Here in Colorado, tumbleweeds are primarily Russian thistle. My sheep don't > particularly like Russian thistle while it is still growing, except maybe > when it first sprouts and is still tender. As tumbleweeds, it is stickery and > not something they would eat. I'm surprised your sheep like them. Maybe you > could hire them out: > Eastern Colorado was overrun with tumbleweeds last week, making national > news. See > http://www.krdo.com/news/troublesome-tumbleweeds-cleanup/-/417220/23023000/-/epspacz/-/index.html > No one knows what to do with the tumbleweeds. Sounds like your sheep would > solve the problem! > > Carol > > At 01:26 PM 11/22/2013, you wrote: >> I have a question for the list. My new sheep love tumbleweeds. Is that ok >> for them to eat? > > Carol Elkins > Critterhaven--Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep > (no shear, no dock, no fuss) > Pueblo, Colorado > http://www.critterhaven.biz > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Tumbleweeds
Here in Colorado, tumbleweeds are primarily Russian thistle. My sheep don't particularly like Russian thistle while it is still growing, except maybe when it first sprouts and is still tender. As tumbleweeds, it is stickery and not something they would eat. I'm surprised your sheep like them. Maybe you could hire them out: Eastern Colorado was overrun with tumbleweeds last week, making national news. See http://www.krdo.com/news/troublesome-tumbleweeds-cleanup/-/417220/23023000/-/epspacz/-/index.html No one knows what to do with the tumbleweeds. Sounds like your sheep would solve the problem! Carol At 01:26 PM 11/22/2013, you wrote: I have a question for the list. My new sheep love tumbleweeds. Is that ok for them to eat? Carol Elkins Critterhaven--Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep (no shear, no dock, no fuss) Pueblo, Colorado http://www.critterhaven.biz ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Tumbleweeds
Hello Steve, Our bane here in Ohio is Poison Hemlock. Lost a lamb, 2 years ago and a ewe this year. Had one goat go cross eyed for about 8 months. Doing all we can to eradicate it from our farm. Mike On 11/22/2013 4:08 PM, Steve wrote: Hey Jann, Welcome to the list. Being fairly new to it as well, it's nice not being the ranking newbie. I have Barbados Blackbellies in Eastern Oregon. I wanted to add to or rephrase your question to the group a little for my own curiosities. I have seen my sheep eradicate Sage brush and weeds quite effectively here. As the weed list here is probably of decent size, and some of those weeds did not seem to be as delectable as others Has anyone run into problems with their sheep eating something that got them sick, or are the sheep smart enough to know what not to eat? Thanks All, Steve Burns, OR On 11/22/2013 12:26 PM, mtnrdgr...@aol.com wrote: I have a question for the list. My new sheep love tumbleweeds. Is that ok for them to eat? Jann ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Tumbleweeds
Hey Jann, Welcome to the list. Being fairly new to it as well, it's nice not being the ranking newbie. I have Barbados Blackbellies in Eastern Oregon. I wanted to add to or rephrase your question to the group a little for my own curiosities. I have seen my sheep eradicate Sage brush and weeds quite effectively here. As the weed list here is probably of decent size, and some of those weeds did not seem to be as delectable as others Has anyone run into problems with their sheep eating something that got them sick, or are the sheep smart enough to know what not to eat? Thanks All, Steve Burns, OR On 11/22/2013 12:26 PM, mtnrdgr...@aol.com wrote: I have a question for the list. My new sheep love tumbleweeds. Is that ok for them to eat? Jann ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] New to list
Hi Jann, and welcome. Here is some of the best advice you will get, at least IMHO. Go to a sheep equipment supply website and find a sheep sorting gate. Build a chute, sorting gate on one end some other gate on the other. Life becomes far more simple. Mike On 11/22/2013 3:24 PM, mtnrdgr...@aol.com wrote: Hi List I am new to the list and new to sheep husbandry. I just got (arrived on Wed) a small flock of ten American Blackbelly Sheep and I live in Fountain, CO. I look forward to learning a lot about my new flock of sheep. I spent the morning separating my young rams from the main flock and found that there is a lot I don't know. I thought I would share my thoughts on some of it. I bet you have all been at this point and can appreciate my position. Any and all input or suggestions are more than welcome :-) Things I didn't know - Lesson #1 When one sheep runs, they all run. Lesson #2 Calm quiet sheep in a small confined area, all getting along well, suddenly become independent testosterone filled hellions once liberated. Lesson #3 When not confined, boy sheep fight. With everyone. And if it isn't enough to fight with the other boys and the girls a wooden box will do just fine. Lesson#4 It is not easy to separate sheep. I have a new admiration for sheep dogs. Lesson #5 No makeshift barrier is too tough for a sheep to tear down if he is determined enough. Lesson #6 See lesson #1. It is the true meaning of life. Lesson #7 If one sheep comes, they all come. Lesson #8 One person is almost too few to separate 3 sheep from the flock. Lesson #9 A portable panel is worth two humans. Lesson #10 I can out-muscle three young rams, but not by much. Lesson #11 Sometimes an open door is much scarier than being squished in a very small space. Lesson #12 When sheep are really worried, they lie down. Lesson #13 I cannot move a reclining sheep. Lesson #14 In retrospect I now understand why shepherds have "crooks". Lesson #15 Patience is a virtue. lesson #16 It takes about two hours to separate three rams from the flock of 10 and get them into a stall on the other side of the barn. Lesson #17 This is still easier than the Yaks! Lesson #18 I need a really good breakfast. I think lamb chops are on the menu. Jann ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] New to list
Hi Jann, and welcome to the list. Being a city slicker new to animal husbandry myself, and now, a shepherd since 2008, I can relate. This mailing list is a god-send to me and my ABBs. I second the notion of using a portable panel. I have a thin plywood 4x8 panel with handles screwed into it that I use as a moveable wall to slowly work the sheep I want into a corner and then clamp them. Especially handy for separating babies from moms and the crazy ones from a half-tame flock. We now have 14 sheep and 3 goats. Since I started I have had three rounds of lambs, one round of bottle babies I wanted to raise that way, and a flying ewe right in the face. Had to drain a goofball sized cyst on a ewe lately (ate a foxtail that went into her cheek). Buried my favorite ewe this year due to a coyote attack. Still enjoying my sheep and looking forward to possibly exposing some girls to one of my rams in December for some April lambs. All these experiences were shared with the group and I received the best of expert advice when needed. I have even devoted quite a bit of time to developing a walk-behind sickle mower that actually can harvest really tall hay, since we are blessed with some really great silage growing on our small 4-acre place in Northern California. -MIchael, Perino Ranch Blackbellies Sent from my iPad > On Nov 22, 2013, at 12:24 PM, mtnrdgr...@aol.com wrote: > > Hi List > > I am new to the list and new to sheep husbandry. I just got (arrived on Wed) > a small flock of ten American Blackbelly Sheep and I live in Fountain, CO. > > I look forward to learning a lot about my new flock of sheep. I spent the > morning separating my young rams from the main flock and found that there is > a lot I don't know. I thought I would share my thoughts on some of it. I bet > you have all been at this point and can appreciate my position. Any and all > input or suggestions are more than welcome :-) > > > Things I didn't know - > > Lesson #1 When one sheep runs, they all run. > Lesson #2 Calm quiet sheep in a small confined area, all getting along well, > suddenly become independent testosterone filled hellions once liberated. > Lesson #3 When not confined, boy sheep fight. With everyone. And if it isn't > enough to fight with the other boys and the girls a wooden box will do just > fine. > Lesson#4 It is not easy to separate sheep. I have a new admiration for sheep > dogs. > Lesson #5 No makeshift barrier is too tough for a sheep to tear down if he is > determined enough. > Lesson #6 See lesson #1. It is the true meaning of life. > Lesson #7 If one sheep comes, they all come. > Lesson #8 One person is almost too few to separate 3 sheep from the flock. > Lesson #9 A portable panel is worth two humans. > Lesson #10 I can out-muscle three young rams, but not by much. > Lesson #11 Sometimes an open door is much scarier than being squished in a > very small space. > Lesson #12 When sheep are really worried, they lie down. > Lesson #13 I cannot move a reclining sheep. > Lesson #14 In retrospect I now understand why shepherds have "crooks". > Lesson #15 Patience is a virtue. > lesson #16 It takes about two hours to separate three rams from the flock of > 10 and get them into a stall on the other side of the barn. > Lesson #17 This is still easier than the Yaks! > Lesson #18 I need a really good breakfast. I think lamb chops are on the menu. > > Jann > > > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Tumbleweeds
I have a question for the list. My new sheep love tumbleweeds. Is that ok for them to eat? Jann ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] New to list
Hi List I am new to the list and new to sheep husbandry. I just got (arrived on Wed) a small flock of ten American Blackbelly Sheep and I live in Fountain, CO. I look forward to learning a lot about my new flock of sheep. I spent the morning separating my young rams from the main flock and found that there is a lot I don't know. I thought I would share my thoughts on some of it. I bet you have all been at this point and can appreciate my position. Any and all input or suggestions are more than welcome :-) Things I didn't know - Lesson #1 When one sheep runs, they all run. Lesson #2 Calm quiet sheep in a small confined area, all getting along well, suddenly become independent testosterone filled hellions once liberated. Lesson #3 When not confined, boy sheep fight. With everyone. And if it isn't enough to fight with the other boys and the girls a wooden box will do just fine. Lesson#4 It is not easy to separate sheep. I have a new admiration for sheep dogs. Lesson #5 No makeshift barrier is too tough for a sheep to tear down if he is determined enough. Lesson #6 See lesson #1. It is the true meaning of life. Lesson #7 If one sheep comes, they all come. Lesson #8 One person is almost too few to separate 3 sheep from the flock. Lesson #9 A portable panel is worth two humans. Lesson #10 I can out-muscle three young rams, but not by much. Lesson #11 Sometimes an open door is much scarier than being squished in a very small space. Lesson #12 When sheep are really worried, they lie down. Lesson #13 I cannot move a reclining sheep. Lesson #14 In retrospect I now understand why shepherds have "crooks". Lesson #15 Patience is a virtue. lesson #16 It takes about two hours to separate three rams from the flock of 10 and get them into a stall on the other side of the barn. Lesson #17 This is still easier than the Yaks! Lesson #18 I need a really good breakfast. I think lamb chops are on the menu. Jann ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
