Re: [Blackbelly] Humor: Champis the sheep-herding bunny?
This hit the rabbit forums last week, we have had so much fun with it-- but notice, the sheep are following a bucket of grain Heck of a way to catch a rabbit!!! Terry W ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Copper/trace minerals. and a poll
Thanks-- the information will help prove a point nn a farm seizure case. The family that the poll is about-- was told do this, do that' and the result was a dead cow wihtin 24 hours. Sheep have been castrated (Black Welsh Mountain,) poultry dies in the care of the 'rescuers' etc. The first court hearing was today, another in about a week, then trial. At lest today, the judge Stopped any firther s/n and adoptions bythe KHS, but it is continueing withing the 'rescues' that KHS farmed the animals out to. OH, In Colorado, ther eis a case of seized livestock coming up in the denver area the week of the 23rd-- both these cases are animal seizures with no warrants! Those people in cClifornia, watch out for how you sell your animals-- and in Texas, things are getting hot there, and I am NOT talking about the drought conditions you have. It warmed up one degree this evening-- i am sitting at a nice warm 15*F-- thank heavens for electric blankets... Terry W ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Copper/trace minerals. and a poll
I cannot get into any archived posts-- and I need some information that I recall was posted several yaars ago.. A member of this group, added copper to her sheep diet, and the herd health improved- based on a book that was written, I believe, by someone from New Zealand or Australia. Just finding the information source used would be wonderful-- also, there is a poll that would be beneficial to a case I am working on/for. The case is going to set precedents, for sure Please answer this poll only as regards livestock, not pets. The Baileys' hearing is tomorrow, so we need as many responses as we can get as quickly as possible. Please post this wherever people with livestock are likely to see it. http://justice4pnw.weebly.com/polls.html; Thanks, all, and Happy New Year Terry W Ohio ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Alfalfa pellets/cubes
Carol I found a product called forage feed' designed for older horses that cannot chew up their hay very well. http://www.lucernefarms.com/ I found it was a very clean (lack of dust) way to have hay for my rabbits when they live indoors-- The packaging is about the size of a bale of peat moss or shavings-- and is quite compacted, yet the feed fluffs out very nicely. I have fed the compressed cubes tothe sheep-- but yes, soaking them first is a must-- and you can get compressed timothy. Alfalfa pellets are just going to cause trouble if they are a main source of nutrition--- BUT--Beet pulp can be used to up the fiber content of a homemade mix of rations. Of course, whole oats, and even BOSS, in the shell, excellent working fiber when all is said and done. Terry W NE OHIO ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Lambs missing
Mary, the smaller lambs COULD be taken by larger raptors. Search your sky-- see if you see any Vultureshovering over possible remains-- the vultures wait for the actual predator to leave the carcasses. A Coyote would have a hard time jumping a 5 foot fence with a load in it's mouth-- and they typically hunt in packs. Odd that you are missing them in pairs-- are they related pairs? If so, I would think two legged predator- despite your set up. Game cameras are good for night time recording of what is happening. They are motion activated, and are not really that expensive, considering they are self contained, and some come with transmitting capabilities so you can observe on your computer screen. A flashing red light had been proven to deter predators and other unwanted animals, like deer. When rustlers know there is a good chance they will be filmed, they may very well look for easier pickings.. Terry W NE OHIO ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Algae bloom in ponds
I am interspersing my reply on this one!!! --- On Thu, 7/28/11, Mary Swindell mswin...@siu.edu w However, another solution which you touched upon is an aerating fountain. That involves some up-front cost, but might be the most natural, non-invasive solution of all. I know someone who has a floating aerating fountain connected to a dedicated windmill. The windmill drives the fountain pump so that no other power source is needed. This might be a good solution. One of the locals here started raising fish. And yes, each pond has a windmill for aeration. Never a sign of algae issues, not even when they drain to harvest the crop. Another approach: I have added several geese to my farm over the past 2 years, and I have no algae nor pond weed anymore. I wasn't sure if the waterfowl addition would be good or bad for the pond, but so far it seems to have a fairly benevolent effect. Of course, you have to put up with a little honking and squabbling of the birds from time to time, ha ha! Geese and most ducks are great at reducing unwanted growth Ducks are perhaps, a bit messier in some respects, but geese will also 'weed' gardens.If you can get the fowl to lay eggs in one location, you then have a second product to sell-- all the nutrition in those eggs from the water weeds and algae , lower cholesterol than factory farm eggs, etc... And I don't mind the honking--why live in the country if you can't appreciate all the smells and sounds? Terry W Ohio Mary Swindell ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Algae bloom in ponds
The products that that are made to reduce light levels in ponds are not safe for people-- why would you want to have your animals drink it? Barley straw 'floats' reduce algal blooms in waterways, without introducing chemicals that may potentially harm the environment or the health of people or animals that enjoy the water. When I did my internship at an arboretum, It was made known to all employees and volunteers-- to NOT 'shaded' water from the lily pond in our eyes or accidently swallow any. I have noticed in several locations-- Good aeration helps reduce algae, as does a cover of duckweed! Terry W Ne Ohio --- On Wed, 7/27/11, Mary Swindell mswin...@siu.edu wrote: Another idea for your pond: Have you thought of using Aquashade? It is available in farm stores, and I think it keeps the algae bloom down by coloring the water so that sunlight cannot penetrate, therefore algae cannot grow. I have never used this product but I have heard it is safe for livestock. Maybe one of our other readers knows something about Aquashade. Mary Swindell ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Barn fans
Just remember this-- Exhaust the air as High Up as you can, on the warmer side of the building,n-- bring it in from as low as you can, and on the Shady/cooler side of the building. If you are building something new- or are fortunate to already have one on the property, a 'raised center aisle' barn design is great. Due to the fluid nature of air-exhaust vents need to be larger than intake vents. And of course-- if you can shade those shed and barn walls with pole beans, trellised plants of similar grow quick, die back for the winter habits,that goes far in keeping the animals comfortable. We've been discussing this very issue on a rabbit forum-- you would be surprised at how many rabbits die when the air temps get above 75 degrees F. Oh, something else that helps--freeze jugs of water, and let the animals cuddle up to them. Some people even freeze 5 gallon buckets of water, and set them in front of the barn fans-- a good way to help cool off the air under the sheep bellies. Be thankful the Black-bellies are not woolly! Terry W ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Barn fans
Carol, I remember reading in a veterinary manual, That the heat envelope that develops UNDER sheep needs to be eliminated! This is done by moving air at ground level. If your shed has a peaked roof- exhausting air at the peak, and encouraging air to enter at the ground level maintains cooler temps.I know a horse breeder who has commercial sized standing fans set at their highest reach, to help push air out of the barn- She sets a couple box fans on the opposite end, door drawn down on top of them, to draw in air from the shady side of the building. Commercial fans can be found around here , used, for little money- and can handle the dust associated with animal keeping a bit better than household type fans. Terry W One frustrated person!!! ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] transport info
Travel with RonK- maybe Have you asked on a horse forum? Terry W --- On Thu, 5/5/11, o johnson jq...@yahoo.com wrote: I have to get a horse to Milton, Fl and I can not take her myself. I am looking for good transports that I can check with. does anyone know of any that I can contact. Thanks. Oneta in OK ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Good news for bottle jaw lambs
Mary-- Willow, and many trees from the poplar family contain natural anti-inflammatory properties which you could use when Dex is not available. the cambioum layer is what you want the animal to ingest-- small, fresh twigs are best, but they can also be dried for winter time use Terry W ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] copper
Unless you remove the forage, and destroy it in another area, the 'metals' will remain. That is how toxic areas are phytoremediated-- plants that are known to pick up certain/specific toxins are planted, then removed to be destroyed elsewhere. At this stage of the game, I would not worry about excess copper- after 7+ years, much of it may have leached deeper or bound up. If you have real concerns, you can have plant samples tested to see if the plants are picking up what you do not want your sheep to ingest in large enough quantities to be hazardous. Terry W Frosted Acres On Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 5:33 AM, Nancy Tom Richardson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello, Does anyone know how long copper stays in the ground and comes up in the grass? We have a chance to put our sheep out on some grass that had hogs on it about 7 - 10 years ago. Will the copper still be coming up in it? Just want an opinion doesn't have to be fact. Nancy Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Euthanizing (was: problem with ram horns)
Cecil How many coyote-sized, domestic breeds of dogs live, on a predicatable basis, to fifteen years? Not many!!! Most people who feed raw as a rule, tend to be very careful abut cross contamination issues-- and some of the raw buyers ARE cooking-- they want a fairly priced source of meat for the different recipes. I know when I feed my Dog one of my rabbits in a raw condition, he is getting 'clean' food-- that cannot be said of many grocery store foods-- especially if the food has been 'gas wrapped' Terry W --- Cecil Bearden [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Carol wrote about using raw meat for domestic animals. Since I have a veterinarian close, I mentioned this to him. He said that under no circumstances would he feed raw meat to any of his animals. Cooked is fine, but raw has just too many problems that can be cured by cooking. Tha analogy he used is How many 15 year old coyotes have you seen? Cecil in OKla Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Anti-NAIS article in The Nation magazine
excellent-- and considering, that when I met karin Bergener in person, she was real vague herself, not understanding the real way viruses mutate Her reply to a question asked at that meeting_ If someone told me my flock had AI, I would not hesitate to depopulate it terry W --- Carol J. Elkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Excellent article in The Nation about NAIS. Provides a thoughtful, unemotional summary of its costs and consequences. http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071231/pentland_gumpert ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Euthanizing (was: problem with ram horns)
CArol, I actually belong to a couple Raw feeder lists in my area-- On one, they 'take orders' and everybody gathers at a specific location for the delivery/pickup. One of my 'rabbit neighbors' from PA actually has a business making raw food-- called 'Hare Today'--and yes, the raw feeders want to pay less per pound, but they can be a reliable source of income. terry W --- Carol J. Elkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We all have sheep who, for one reason or another, need to be euthanized. In most cases, it is old age or health issues such as the recent post about horn growth endangering the animal's quality of life. I've eaten blackbelly ram as old as 2.5 years, and although the meat tasted marvelous, the connecting tissue was very tough, making the overall eating experience not much fun at all. So now when I must euthanize an old sheep, I try to find a buyer for the meat at the local raw pet food Yahoo groups. They are always eager to get any meat as long as it costs less than about $1.00 per pound. They are happy with 5-lb chunks and nothing has to resemble a professional cut. I butcher on farm, which allows me to keep most of that $1.00/lb, but it would still be worth these people's time if they wanted the meat cut and wrapped at the butcher shop. I just wouldn't get much profit. But if it is a choice between almost giving a carcass away versus having to dig a really big hole to bury it in, I opt for selling the meat at whatever cost. I also target the raw pet food market for cull sheep and (unfortunately) ram lambs that I simply do not have enough pasture to raise to butchering weight. To find raw pet food Yahoo groups in your vicinity, go to http://groups.yahoo.com and search for carnivore+food or carnivore+raw or similar terms. Add your state name to the search string to narrow the results to your region. One of these days, I hope to be able to switch my own pets to a totally raw diet, but it would need to include more than just lamb; I'd need to mix in chicken and whatever other meats I could get for cheap. Right now, I don't have time to scavenge for pet food. But there sure are a lot of people out there who are willing to find the time. Carol ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Correspondence from Senator Coburn - wanted to pass this along
CArol Your 'response letter' just further shows that we ALL must check our state codes for NAIS language. Ohio has it imbedded in the Administrative Code-- something few people look at. And you won't find it by using NAIS as a keyword- One has to read every line of code. And it is the adminsitrative codes that lay down the reasons, the ways and means, and the enforcement protocols of just about every 'revised' code there is in Ohio. ( It was in Adminsitrative Code I found that in Ohio, any piece of Agriculturally Zoned property MUST be perimeter fenced!) I know that if I wrote my senator, I would get a 'form letter' with the phrase Knowing my care and concern in the opening paragraph. As far as a congressman-- well, none have answered a letter yet... Terry W Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] some interesting articles on parasite control
You are quite welcome-- I LOVE going on information hunts... Terry W --- Barb Lee [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank you for those links, Terry, especially the second one. Barb Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Cocci Control
Barb, Consider lime-stabilizing your sacrifice areas and the barn floor. This will help solidify the surface, so that the little buggers can't hide as well below the surface, or get stirred up when the area gets pugged. Lime stabilized soils can be planted over, as well, so you wouldn't necessarily lose all grazing use of the area. The lime will also alter the pH drastically-- may result in killing off a lot of infective stage larvae. They can be made to drain well, eliminating some of the moisture issues. Yeah= Corid does inhibit Thiamine--almost have to supplement the B vitamins when using it. What is it-- a form of polio that goats get when B deficient? Terry W Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Cocci Control
Well, I looked in a lot of places, and asked questions in a few more The Cocci that sheep and goats deal with are pretty much resistant, and the only good, natural way to keep them under control is to manage pastures and herds in such a manner that the natural immunity that developes by being exposed to low numbers is permitted to develope within the animal. A strict MIG program is of use, as it helps reduce the number of infective larvae that have access to the animals by killing them off with cold, feeding by other animals ( chickens, cows, horses) and changes in the vegetative makeup of the paddocks. So, rotational grazing, intensive grazing, alternationg the use of the paddock between vegetative crop and pasture, etc, help keep things under control. one article did stress that one should not confuse one type of parasite egg with the oocysts of the cocci protozoans. basic H may very well be the way to go-- at least you can mess up the protective coating on the parasite.. Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] More on Diatomaceous Earth
Barb, You can consider free choice DE when you have the numbers down where you want them. Offer the DE in a feeder the way some people offer the minerals. I started using DE on my Rabbit herd about a month ago-- and the change in food consumptoion is wonderful. It has dropped by 10%, the lighter animals are reganing proper condition, the juniors are right on the mark for growth and weight gain. Nails are stronger (a mixed blessing). Some people even use DE as a dust if body or hair parasites are present-- dust/rub it in the way Sevin dust usually is. Supposedly, DE will even cut the exoskeleton of fleas. I haven't had the need to use DE for external reasons, but knowing how it cuts internal parasites up, I am for it!!! Terry W --- Barb Lee [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The rams reported in this morning with five H. Contortus eggs, 250 eggs per gram. That is negligible. They are getting 1/2 tsp DE per day (that's actually a lot of dust on a small grain ration), and were moved to a paddock that had been rested for 30 days. Could be also, that the worms are going into hypobiosis (dormancy). We've had a couple of nice frosts, so hopefully that will help kill some of the larvae in the other paddock. Will shift them back next week, another 30 day rotation (life cycle of worms is 21 days). Totally inconclusive, but parasite management is an integrated effort, and I am sure happy with today's report. Will keep checking in on this. Regards, Barb L. ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] More on Diatomaceous Earth
Barb-- what is the puddling situation like in your paddocks? A neighbor nearby lost 48 katahdin lambs and adults a couple springs ago to cocci that 'took off' when the fields puddled up. He had noticed the animals were drinking less water from the water troughs, and assumed it was because they were getting enough from the wet grasses-- turns out, they were drinking from shallow puddles that were not visible above the taller grasses.I could ask him what he uses for that-- he also does everything as naturally as possible. HAs some pretty nice looking animals to show for it, too. Terry W --- Barb Lee [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I AM getting a positive on cocci in the lambs though and I haven't seen much here on alternative cocci control. I treated once with Corid that knocked the numbers to near zero, but they're rising again. I don't like the coccidiostats because they've all got some serious downsides. Hmm, I'd better get that jug of Basic-H ordered! Barb Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] More on Diatomaceous Earth
With the Basic-H treatment, you should find parts of the parasite itself, and not just eggs. The premise behind using a 'detergent' is the use of the detergent to destroy the protective oily/waxy coating of the parasite, exposing it to the enzymes and acids of the digestive process. Keep that in mind while peering through the microscope. Terry W --- Barb Lee [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: That's another nice thing about having the microscope...you can kind of monitor even cocci loads and treat before they start getting clinical. Would be interesting to know if the gentleman has a more natural treatment for cocci...I ordered 1/2 gal of Basic H today...just about exactly what I paid for a gallon a year or so ago, but it's supposed to be concentrated, and is now also apparently certified organic. Anyway, I'll be much better prepared to see if it works on the parasites than the last time I tried it! Barb Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. http://overview.mail.yahoo.com/ ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] seeking opinions about Animal Welfare Institute
Carol, ablout all I know is what they have listed on their site. I first heard of AWI over a year ago-- maybe 2 years-- think I was near graduation at the time... it seems like agood idea-- unfortuneately, one person's view of humane is another's view of 'filthy', if you understand my drift here. I have not met anyone locally who is aware of the group-- even among those who meet my standards. I guess for some of us, our ethics or our own awareness of what is humane and healthy for animals precludes a need to find a supportive group. perhaps what needs to be found out-- does AWI 'certification' come with an acceptance from the bodies that dictate other aspects of food production or animal ownership? Is there a standardized definition of 'humane' as far as agricultural production is concerned? Yes, ALBC endorses the AWI-- But are the PETA type people endorsing it, as well? If so, then there is probably some sort of connection-- Even the Doris Day Animal League and the HSUS are PETA oriented in their agendas. Terry W --- Carol J. Elkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I recently was approached by an organization called Animal Welfare Institute and I would like to ask if any of you know, or have experience with, this organization. Their Web site is at http://www.awionline.org/farm/fivefreedoms.htm. I'm particularly interested in one of their new programs called Animal Welfare Approved. Simply, the program promotes family farmers who treat their animals with high welfare standards and allows those farmers to label their products with a seal. This enables consumers, grocers, chefs, and other food buyers to differentiates the family farms that treat their animals humanely from agribusinesses that subject animals to cruel and unnatural conditions. Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Safe Handling of Horned Rams
Use a rope noose around the base of BOTH horns to help control the head-- This is what a lot of the local goat and sheep people do, as well as some of the cattle owners. If you need to manhandle the animal, A good grip on the horn area, along with a solid grip of the lower jaw helps keep that head where it belongs I saw a couple sheep farm workers handling a rather nasty jacobs a few weeks ago-- one person on each side, each with the horn grabbed by their inside hand, and each with a grip that put their fingers of the outside hand under the lower jaw, with the thumb hooked over the jaw behind the incisors. A local dairyman handles the bullocks this way, as well-- he doesn't poll or steer his youngsters because they do go to slaughter when they have finished out... Terry W --- Barb Lee [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anybody have suggestions for their preferred method of restraining horned rams for routine treatments such as hoof trimming? Also, anybody have thoughts on disbudding ram lambs intended for slaughter? Barb ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mailp=summer+activities+for+kidscs=bz ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Help!
Sounds similar to my introduction-- cept mine got attacked by a tray dog almost immediately!!! Terry W --- Chris Eileen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: So my intro to BBs. I got 2 ewe lambs last night. We brought them home ~10:30 unloaded them into a cattle pannel enclosure. One escaped immediately and is gone. The other freaked out, this morning and is loose in the big 1 acre pasture with just hot wire around it. Don't think that's going to do much. So besides putting out water and saying a prayer I am going to go beat the bushes for Coyote Bait as she is now named and make one more request for my horses to please befriend this little lost lamb. Any other suggestions??? Eileen PS Beth not sure about that ram at this point! ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info Be a PS3 game guru. Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Yahoo! Games. http://videogames.yahoo.com/platform?platform=120121 ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Crippled new born -
any period of time, say within the first trimester, that the ewe would have gotten too warm? Any vitamin/ mineral deficiency throughout/ or a period of the pregnancy? Especially of B vitamins-- Any injuries to the ewe prior to lambing or during the last trimester? breech births? Are their tails normal in shape and appearance? Terry W __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Ewe Pregnant Twice?
If I recall, Sheep have two horns to the uterus. And like many animals with such an arrangement, one can maintain a pregnancy in one horn while 'expelling' a pregnancy in another. Nature's redundancy can be helpfull this way. Many rabbit breeders I communicate with indicate that the need to remove the doe immediate after breeding to a buck is to help prevent two pregnancies from occurring within such a short period of time, that the labor from the first pregnancy causes a premature birth of the later pregnancy! Animals that 'litter' are especially prone to multiple age birthings- youmay be able to find dog breeders that can tell you tales of such litters-- where part of the litter was definitely 'older' than the rest. Stimulation ovulators also have the ability to develop pregnancies that are of differing ages when exposed to males with strong drives. Also, sometimes, in mammals with one room in the uterus, a twin will be born prematurely/aborted due to some injury or defect, while the healthier one is retained. My younger brother was a retained twin-- Terry W --- Mary Swindell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anyone know if there is a chance that a ewe can lamb twice? Is it possible that she could have maintained a pregnancy with other lambs after birthing one fully developed lamb early? The first lamb was born March 13, so this is almost a month later. Honestly I would call the vet, but there is nothing here to make me think this ewe is unhealthy. I am completely stumped. Mary Swindell ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check. Try the Yahoo! Mail Beta. http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/newmail_tools.html ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Ewe giving two separate births
Triplets-- if they have the same 'conception' date' Terry W --- Mary Swindell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Peg, Thanks for writing about your friend's Dorset. I have also heard from two other people that this unusual separation of birthing times can happen in sheep, in dogs and in humans as well. The great news this morning is that my ewe actually did deliver healthy, normal sized twin ewe lambs today at 7:00 a.m. They are quite lively and doing fine, and the mother seems to have a large udder and plenty of milk this time! I guess stranger things have happened, but this is pretty unusual! Her ram lamb was born on March 13, and the twin ewe lambs were born on April 10. Both were sired by the same ram. I think I mentioned we did a manual exam on March 15 to see if there was anything inside her. Good thing we didn't poke around too much then! Here's a question for everyone: Would I refer to this ewe's babies as a single plus twins, or should I refer to them as triplets?? Mary Swindell At 06:02 PM 4/9/2007, you wrote: Message: 1 Date: Sun, 8 Apr 2007 16:43:15 -0700 (PDT) From: Peg Haese KB9LIE [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [blackbelly] Ewe Pregnant Twice? To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Hi, Mary, friends of ours had a Dorset who lambed twice, 17 days or one cycle apart. They knew both lambs were hers for sure. Both were healthy. I have heard about that happening to other ewes also. Rare but not impossible. Please keep us posted on the ewe's condition. Peg Haese in chilly SW Wisconsin --- Mary Swindell wrote: Does anyone know if there is a chance that a ewe can lamb twice? Is it possible that she could have maintained a pregnancy with other lambs after birthing one fully developed lamb early? The first lamb was born March 13, so this is almost a month later. Mary Swindell Bellwether Farm 815 Bell Hill Road Cobden, IL 62920 (618) 893-4568 (home) (618) 453-1697 (work) (618) 967-5046 (cell) [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.bellwetherfarm.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info It's here! Your new message! Get new email alerts with the free Yahoo! Toolbar. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/ ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[blackbelly] Getting Out of the Haired Sheep Business
Hi, I've had a flock of haired sheep for a couple years. We've been through two breading seasons. It has been fun, but it is time to get out of this business. The wife does not like eating lamb and it has been hard to know what to do with all the little ones each year. I have 6 year old intact ram lambs and their 3 year old father left. They are a cross between Barbados and Mouflon. One of the 6 is polled the others are have nice curved horns circling back of their ears. Although I watch them pretty closely when I'm in the pasture they have not been aggressive, even the dad. Nicely tempered. Any ideas on how to disperse the rest of these guys? Thanks, Terry Northern California ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] another market for blackbelly sheep
CArol, I have been attending a LOT of local livestock auctions lately, as part of a learning process before I start making bids or selling some of my other stock-- Yes-- the really young animals fetch a much higher price than the weaned ones-- I could not beieve the difference in price between a 'still wet' animal and one that would entail less work to finish growing out. I saw those recalls on the news last night-- and for certain-- I will mention this to the Farm group I belong to at Monday's meeting. What is really interesting-- a DOG AUCTION has been sold, and the buyer is moving to my area--I think I will check taht out for sales contacts... Terry W Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection. Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta. http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/features_spam.html ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] market for sheep skulls and (new) hide tanning
Carol, How do they charge-- by weight of hide,type of hide, or by poundage? Are there choices of how the hide gets tanned, or is one at the mercy of a chemical tanner, with no hope of vegetable based tanning? Niow tih the blackbellies- sure, opne can be pretty sure one is geting theior own hide back-- but if large tanneries are anything like some processors-- how can one make sure that they get back, say, their OWN rabbit pelts? But then, your recommendations have always been good in the past-- Terry W --- Carol Elkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It is scary to send your valuable hide away like this to someone you don't know. Buck's County sends you a postcard telling you they received it. Then in 3-4 months, they send you another postcard telling you that it's done and to please send them payment. That's scary, too--sending money for something you haven't seen. But I've never been disappointed by Buck's County. When I get the hide, it is always clean, soft, and supple. Carol Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by Green Rating at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/ ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Question
Sue, sounds like your little guy put his neck out of adjustment-- Misaligned vertebrae will cause a 'bulge' like that If you can find a veterninary Chiropractor, you may be able to get it put back into position, and make the fella more comfy. meanwhile, I beleive baking sodA is recommended by a lot of sheep people as a means to prevent something called Frothy Bloat-- Terry W Never miss an email again! Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/ ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] update on starving sheep
I looked at that slideshow-- and I ask Where is the WINTER COAT? Otherwise, the surviving sheep seemed to be in good weight I have seen sick, very worm infested woollies-- and they were considered okay by local officials. These starving sheep in the slideshow just appeared to be lacking a winter coat like those our more acclimated animals grow. If these sheep were recent;ly moved, they may actually need a year or two for their coats to get with the program Add to that, the unexpected harshness of the weather-- yes, maybe the animals more likely died of exposure issues rather than starvation- Even the dead carcasses were very meaty-- too meaty to have been laying around for any length of time. I would think, with the numbers involved, that the owner was caught unprepared for winter winds, perhaps combined with an unexpected parasite load-- A neighbor of mine lost 48 sheep last spring- Coccidiosis- suddenly and with no warning. If his animals had not had access to sufficiant shelter, they would have had to deal with sudden temperature extremes at the time, as well. We can't just believe everything the media and the supposed 'experts' are saying. Many people think dairy cattle are starving if their hip bones show, when in reality, it just proves they are 'working' for a living. Beef catttle, on the other hand, HAVE to have a round topline- it shows they are producing the muscle needed to be beef! TV dinner still cooling? Check out Tonight's Picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/ ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Brix and Grass Quality
Barb, you need to realize, there are TWO types of Brix refractometers-- one for sugar, and one for MINERALS-- Also, the mirrored versions will give a slightly different reading than the electronic versions Now, I wonder about my boy-- see, he seems to be eating practically nothing, yet he body scores at about the same he did a month ago--interesting dilemma for me Terry --- Barb Lee [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Read an interesting article in the latest Stockman Grassfarmer about using a Brix refractometer to determine whether your pasture grass has enough carbohydrates in it to fatten your animals without grain. So I promptly went to eBay and obtained a Brix refractometer. It just came and I had to try it out! First I tested an apple - the Brix reading is also a good way of telling you the quality of your fruits and veggies - and it tested medium-high, meaning it has a pretty good load of sugar and minerals. So then of course I had to dash out and grab a handful of grass out of the front yard. I squeezed a few drops out with a garlic press and put it on the refractometer. Wow! Practically zero! LOL! There is virtually no nutrition in the grass right now at all! Good Brix for pasture grass would read around 11-13. This is going to be a fun and interesting tool to use during the growing season - it should be able to help make decisions about when to supplement the feed without just wasting money willy nilly. I am also keen to see the results on veggies grown in a well mineralized garden soil. Regards, Barb Lee ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[blackbelly] Spammer? Phisher?
Anybody besides me get a request for a quote for 200-300 Barbados Blackbelly Sheep from a person in Malaysia? Terry W __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Winter strategies
I live in Amish country!!! There is an Amish owned/run sawill just about a mile from me--I have to load myself, so I bag it in feed bags, then put it in the truck bed. Some sawmills actually have a way for a person to pull under the discharge chute, and the stuff drops right in as the wood is cut. It IS less expensive than buying from the supply stores. I get the peat from a feed store-- less expensive than a garden supply source. Look for places that make furniture in your area. Hard or softwood, it is always very dry before they start to cut it into lumber-- makes for soft warm bedding. I didn't even consider sawdust until I bedded the pony ride ponies down in mud one night at the fair-- the sawdust soaked up enough moisture that the top layer was dry, and the ponies stayed nice and clean over the night-- yes, they lay down to sleep at the fairs- With hay being kind of messy, I feed a couple flakes outside in good weather, and in bad weather, I feed it in the evening. Then, at the morning checkup time, I pitch anything on the ground out the stall door to become part of the pasture fill process. I have a longer walk to fill low spots every week!!! There is a warning with this process-- spilled grain becomes seed for new plants outside--it is not something I mind, but many people with a monoculture mindset do mind. I look at it as a way to introduce seeds of the plants that my guys are eating into their pastures, which in turn, in a managed grazing program, turn the pastures into a good mixed hay field. Terry W --- Kyla Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Terry, Where do you find sawdust for $5.00 a truck load? That sounds like a great deal. If I can locate some in my area, I would love to give your method a try. Do you feed your sheep in the stall also? If so what do you do about the hay waste? My sheep eat the tender parts and leave a mess of stems behind. We end up with quite a pile of stems in our stall. How often to you need to clean out the stall using your combination of products? Thanks for the advice, Kyla R. Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta. http://new.mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Lst chance to remain on the Listserv's Breeder Map
Carol, I'd like everyone to know, that within 48 hours of being put on the map for the first time, I recieved a call and e-mail from someone looking for sheep. So there IS a decided benefit to being properly listed-- Terry W. --- Carol J. Elkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Last chance--if your email is listed below and you haven't yet contacted me, then your name will be removed from the Breeder Map on the Blackbelly Listserv home page (http://www.blackbellysheep.info/breeder/map.html). These email addresses are not current subscribers to the Listserv, and the map is a benefit of being a Listserv subscriber. I'm posting this second chance because I already started to delete names and was surprised at how many long-time list members will be removed. I'm hoping that some of you simply missed the previous email. So act now and click the Add Me to the Map! link at the top of the map to update your information. Carol Elkins Listserv Owner bucast1 at aol.com johnccarlton at bellsouth.net jDAHL03 at hotmail.com trkwife at c2i2.com hard_ika at hotmail.com Kreekrats at webtv.net bcushman at pobox.com llasser at quiknet.com dschoolers at aol.com cowpaddy at surf1.ws jhbrown at midwest.net ditybird at webtv.net joe_hollinger at tds.net joshua at tri-lakes.net gininmontana at earthlink.net burnskevin_ at hotmail.com soaringeaglefarm at excite.com C.R.Beam at att.net pjemmons at cox.net highhillfarm at aol.com cmiller1 at compworldnet.com heather.sharfeddin at timberline.com epec at deal-maker.com grannyof1 at cs.com millermania at earthnet.ws agbennet at telus.net teneniel_80 at yahoo.com kw at ibw.com.ni ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Blackbelly Furniture
Quite frankly, I wouldn't knowingly/willingly expose my critters to any type of preservative or sealant-- especially if they could potentially ingest it-- Linseed oil-- NOT Denatured or chemically boiled would be fine-- one would have to find pure, unadulterated linseed oil-- Flax is another name for linseed--- and boil it yourself... Terry --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Due to budget constraints, I'm building a custom hay feeder from lumber. Can anyone tell me if it might be a chemical issue to the sheep if the feeder was treated with water seal on the outside only? G. Atwood ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Resistance is futile
gee, is all this extra work the gov'mint is producing for itself the reason why I do not have my voluntary Scrapie program number yet? i am certainly getting enough mail that has been generated by the appplication! Somebody is cutting their own throats, and we are the ones electing the fool officials into office that are supporting this mess. Maybe it will be time for some underground movement of our animals Terry W __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] A Hard Pill to Swallow
Oh, MY! Barb-- many of the older vets will say to let Nature run it's course-- as you so bluntly stated as what you are going to do in your last paragraph.Ni know a farmer-- that is ho9w he handles his vermin catching cats--- no vet sees them-- EVER!!! Just watch the critters close-- so you can hopefully see if one is recovering-- if one recovers from an extremely bad bout-- his/her resistance to whatever is bugging it will be a lot higher... Terry W __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] treats for lambs
I fund that my boys like water chestnuts Terry W --- Nancy Richardson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't know if anyone else feeds treats to there sheep or lambs . We have found that our sheep really enjoy bread but find that if lambs are not raised eating it with mom they don't usually take to it. But I have several bottle babies that have found that they love round nacho chips. Just the plain ones. They will hear the bag rattle and come running. One even likes a slice of banana! just a thought for some who like to give a little extra. Nancy ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[blackbelly] lameness
okay, here is a question for all you more exoperienced sheepo owners--- the boys got loose last week, and when they returned, i saw ernie limping-- but he was also walking with one toe on gravel and the other on a piece of plywood. I went out today, and noticed he was still limping with the same degree of affectedness-- so i flipped him and took a look at his feet-- his feet had been trimmed about a month ago by the previous owner--we have had a lot of rain, and quite frankly, footrot and scald are something i am concerned about, as I do not really want to be dealing with those issues so soon into ownership of my fiorst sheep. Anyway, i found the hoof wall had been broken off-- but not beyond the pad of the hoof-- so I trimmed the toes, and cleared out all muck and stuff. I smell anaerobic smell-- but the boys had been browsing- their choice, in a more 'wetland' area today. I will be taking the vet kit out tomorrow and giving all four of Ernie's feet a good cleaning, and looking for any abrasions that could be an issue this ebvening, I could not find any warm spots or other indications of an infection. the trimming did help ease up on the limping-- and he is really havoing no issue with weight bearing. The research I have done indicates the pasture 'should' be free of footrot organisms-- but do I need to go out and get some zinc sulfate tomorrow? CArol, I beleive you mentioned using some sort of pad at one point that yuou had your guys walk across avery day-- it was saturated with the solution for treatment-- I DO NOT smell the foot rot-- a classmate did a research project on that organism, and believe me, I learned to recognize the smell-- but I need to catch things early, if need be Terry __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Questions on AB horns-- to aid in research---
Thisd is, indeed, some of the type of information I am interested in-- my new ( actually, my very first foundayion animal) a barbados blackbelly lost a scur this past weekend, so I am extreme;y happy woth that! His wether buddy, had scurs that are visible, bit still short enough the little hair tuft can cover them pretty well. They are a month apaty oin age, with the wqether being older-- so I have 7 and 8 month old boys. The past couple weeks have been quite interesting, top say the least!!! Someone mentioned, eithetr here or on another forum, how the boys dislike having their horn plates touched-- I have been brusdhing the faces and skulls of my boys since I got them two weeks ago, and currently, there is no touchiness about gently handling that area of their pretty little heads. I use a very soft brush on face/head and lower legs, and a stiffer brush and undercoat rake on their bodies. I can attest to the lack of lanolin in their coats-- as I am allergic to lanolin, and the only issue I am having is the wire-y coat texture. I can walk alongside one-- and the other follows-- they do follow that grain in a container sound!!! They both got away frpm me a few days ago--I made sure they saw me toss some corn into their safe pen, and they came a running- they are little pigs when it comes to the corn,, so as long as they can see clearly into the area I want them to go, they will follow, sometimes even lead! The boys are on weedwhacker duty right now-- I move a portable dog run-- 8x8 feet by 6 feet high areound a new set of trees every morning-- and by noon, the weeds are gone! These guys are doing grass only as a last resort! To them, poison ivy is candy, while timothy, rye, and orchard grass may as well be vegetables!!! I other areas, I can see things like milkweed, joe pye weed, forked aster, queen annes lace, wild strawberries, maple seedlings etc., all disappearing, while the grasses remain untouched-- gonna have to get some grass eaters now!!! Terry --- william bartlett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi There Terry: Don't know a whole lot about horn genetics, but I have had several, four I think (would have to look at my records to tell how many for sure). But I may not be qualified because my herd Ram's twin was a poll, and two of his offspring's have been polled. One of them snuck up on my (one of those embarrassing moments) I had put twins and their mother on my cousin's place, telling him they were all girls. When I picked them up four months later, one had a mane and OTHER attachments! I do need to check and see what my percentage is compared to the amount of horned rams I've had. --- Terry Wereb [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hello folks-- this question is for all the American Blackbelly flock keepers out there--- Have you ever had, or do you know of, an American Blackbelly ram that produced POLLED ram lambs? Have you ever had, or do you know of, an American Blackbelly ewe that has had POLLED ram lambs when bred to a horned male? Terry W ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] worming
Flax seed is also a major component in many supplenmts that peole who own performance animals use to help enhance skin and coat-- it provides quite a few EFAs ( essential fatty acids) that aid in skin health, espeicially if is has not been heat processed-- and, my vet suggested Iuse Flax seed oil to help keep inflammation down arounf my Chessies eyes-- guess what-- two tablespoons a day of a cold pressed Oil, and I haven't had him scratch a cornea since... Terry W --- Dayna Denmark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nancy the dosage is about 1/4 cup per head of sheep for 3 consecutive days followed by 1/4 cup per head once a week or so all year round. Flax seed has a nutty flavor so I just top dress with it and the sheep love the taste. It's not inexpensive to use and it keeps better refrigerated but, like you, I was really looking for a product that is natural. For me it is worth it to spend a little more to have healthy sheep and not deal with chemical wormers. ___ 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] scrapie testing/Johnes Long
Barb-- you need to join the Living off the alnd list you have it down pat!!! Soil health IS super important to OUR health-- The is an environmental re=term-- called primary production which refers to the amount of energy produced directly from the sunlight interaction with plants. If the plants ar not healthy, that production DROPS Yo uhave the right idea, we can only help our sheep enjoy their natural reistance by doing what we can to make sure they have what they need to implement that resistance. Good, solid soapbox terry W ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] thistle
Be aware, using vinegar ismjust like using anyother herbicide-- if the day is not dry, warm, and sunny, you are wasting the effort-- you kinda have to follow the directions of a the commercial herbicides-- this from an arborist who [refers to use natural mathods Terry --- Paul Renee Bailey [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We have very rocky terrain so thistles love certain areas of our property. In the past, Paul has sprayed with Roundup, but I wouldn't let him spray the areas the animals graze. Of course, now the places he sprayed years ago looks greatand the animal grazing areas have thistles! Yes, my sheep and goats won't touch them! So last week a neighbor mentioned using vinegar so I thought I'd try it. I filled up a spray bottle and began squirting those little buggers. It was a little hard on my back (VBG) but few days later, the leaves are turning brown! Now, I know they have strong roots so only time will tell as to whether or not this will work to kill the plantsor just kill the leaves that got the vinegar. I also sprayed a clump of clover and grass to see how they react, because if this really works, I'd like to spray the whole area, not just each individual plant! I'll keep you posted. -Renee - Original Message - From: Nancy Richardson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Saturday, May 27, 2006 2:31 PM Subject: [blackbelly] thistle We have a field with allot of thistle in it. How do we get rid of it short of a shovel and hoe? without hurting the sheep. Is there a spray etc that can be put on it? Thanks for any ideas. Nancy _ On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for advice on how to get there! http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=Retirement ___ 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] Butchering
I was thinking using old refrigerator for smaller livestock-- like rabbits and chickens. this info is greatly appreciated-- thanks Terry --- Barb Lee [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Terry, Yes, it is a remote temperature controller. You stick a temperature sensing bulb inside the fridge/freezer and plug the freezer into the control unit which sits outside the freezer. It overrides the temp controller in the freezer. I think it is designed for beer lovers who convert them into keg coolers! Says it's for refrigerators/freezers, but apparently some home fridges have trouble getting down to the lower temps. You can see it at http://ceisites.com/9025.html The other problem we've found with most refrigerators is that they pretty much all have a freezer compartment, which reduces the area you have to hang a full carcass. Even our old freezer has two non-removeable shelves. Barb - Original Message - From: Terry Wereb [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 9:40 PM Subject: Re: [blackbelly] Butchering Okay, what is a 'freezer tamer'? Its a way of regulating temp so the carcass cools without freezing? If so, can it be used on a refrigerator? Terry ___ 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] NAIS--Stan wants it only for cows
Carol, I just tried the link-- ans I get the response that the message is no longer available. Terry W --- Carol J. Elkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Many of you know that Stan Potratz, owner of Premier Fencing, has been a long-time supporter of the sheep industry and is an all-around good guy. Ever since the beginning of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), he's maintained an objective view and has represented the sheep industry responsibly in discussions with the USDA and APHIS. It is not surprising, therefore, to read his latest newsletter in which he recommends that only cattle be subject to NAIS regulation. While I remain opposed to any form of mandatory animal ID scheme, his proposal at least makes sense to me. Have a look at http://view.exacttarget.com/?ffcb10-fe8f10767c660c7f74-fde915737d630d7c701d7 472-ff3815757464 Stan recommends that you write your congressmen and suggest they consider this approach. Carol Carol Elkins Critterhaven--Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep (no shear, no dock, no fuss) Pueblo, Colorado http://www.critterhaven.biz T-shirts, mugs, caps, and more at the Barbados Blackbelly Online Store http://www.cafepress.com/blackbellysheep ___ 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] constipated lamb
Oh, put your ear to the little guy's tummy and make sure you are still getting bowel sounds... And you can use mineral oil in the back end, as well-- use the lightweight stuff-- it seeps in better. Terry ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] NoNAIS.org
Elaine- Several of the poultry people have attended some of the TAHC meetings-- There is nothing with with keeping informed, and letting the politicians know that you know what they are up to!!! Might make them a little uncomfortable..hehehehehe Terry ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[blackbelly] Stimulating a natural swallow
I thought I would post this for those who may need to 'force' some food into a reluctant adult or weak lamb. This works for many species of animals, and is great for those who do not wish to, or do not have the equipement to tube feed. 1. Animal must be conscious 2. Put the animal in a sternum down position--as in laying naturally-- but not on it's side.. think Sphinx position 3. Hold head up, with the end of jaw just slightly higher than the throat junction. 4. Administer, via dosing syringe, a small amount of the milk replacer or nutritional supplement, as far back in the mouth as possible, but NOT into the throat. 5. Lghtly hold mouth closed, taking care not to compress nasal passages. 6. Stroke gently, in one direction only, from jaw end to the sternum, on the front of the neck. 7. you should be able to sefeel te animal swallow. Sometimes, the animal will attempt to stick out it's tongue-- this is a good sign--that is a reflexive action to a weak swallow, and the animal is trying to force the bolus down further. It is important, when one has weakened animals, to keep them sternum down-- this help prevent pnuemonia from developing. Terry I hope this helps any of you that may have a weak lamb this season. ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] new NAIS rule
Thanks Carol, that works a lot better... FOlks, Walter Jeffries, in Vermont has a website www.NoNAIS.org Has lots of usefull information and links- And all material you want, if you wish, to use to fight NAIS may be downloaded and used for free-- however, if you use it to support NAIS, he threatens to let his ram butt you into the next county, or something to that effect! I, myself, have been accused of wearing a tinfoil hat, but several people on a poultry list are indicating that NAIS reminds their older relatives of Hitler times. I see nothing wrong with requiring people to be responsible about their animals health, and making sure that a problem they have is not going to affect the whole population nationwide. But lets face it-- when Uncle Sam can step in and wipe out your livlihood just because a chicken fell over dead three miles away---it is time to fight.It is people like us, fighting to preserve the gene pool of rare/endangered breeds that will be most hurt by NAIS. Terry --- Carol J. Elkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The government doesn't make it easy sometimes! ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[blackbelly] Showy Crotalaria
Okay I thought I would provide a link for you all to check out-- as a friend in Ms raises goats, and a neighbor of hers had a goat just DIE-- and this plant was in the pasture, recently browsed. I am sending to both the consortium and Blackbelly list because I thought I had seen wehre a young ram that had been available for sale died suddenly, and it hit me that the general locale was about right. www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/cvtsp.htm also: www.lsuagcenter.com/en/crops_livestock/livestock/animal_health/horses/Horses+Poisoned+by+Showy+Crotalaria.html if this plant is out there in your pastures, it could explain some sudden deaths. Please, look for it. No one wants to lose a baby of ANY age to something that can be eliminated from the pastures. Terry W ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[blackbelly] Questions on AB horns-- to aid in research---
hello folks-- this question is for all the American Blackbelly flock keepers out there--- Have you ever had, or do you know of, an American Blackbelly ram that produced POLLED ram lambs? Have you ever had, or do you know of, an American Blackbelly ewe that has had POLLED ram lambs when bred to a horned male? Terry W ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Breed Crossing
Why would you want to do that? Mixing genetics of two relatively rare breeds removes one more chance for the ewe to [pass on her genetics to others of her 'kind.' Terry --- Nancy Richardson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We were just wondering if anyone had ever crossed a Jacob 4 horn sheep with a Black Belly? If so what did you get? We were thinking about doing this but were wondering if anyone else had experimented either on purpose or by accident. Thanks ___ 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] Some of the article
Helmut, I would like permission to post what you said below to a site NoNAIS.org either that, or you could post yourself. Lot's of great links on it about what is going on... Terry --- hlang [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Don't think that he overdramtized. Most of today's population are already top slaves and have no clue what real live is,free live. Lots of illusion, and let the Government do kind of live.. So it is good if someone does it as strong as possible, to send the message. Anyhow, it does not need long time and the humans on this continent are as weak as the sheep let them fight !Quality live is important, and where I live, they don't have a clue what quality live is. Working in the day in front of a computer or in factory, evening TV and beer...no energies to fight or to create. So we should be happy for every person able to understand and to wake others up. Regards Helmut ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] things you can do regarding NAIS
www.NoNAIS.org this site is owned by a Pastured Poultry listmember-- the discussion about NAIS on that list is quite heated at times. The government's agenda has been postponed- but it is still there. Most of us within the US can remember HOW the legislative process is supposed to work, but since we, as a nation, do not force that issue on our politicians, people who don't know which end of a cow produces the and which end the moo just legislate to keep money in their pockets. They Don't know the difference between a factory farm ( which can be organic or free range, by the way) and pastured livestock. LAst week, an Island in Germany was invaded my military personell and all fowl destroyed-- because a swan died from the cold-- the reasoning-- bird flu-- and NAIS is all about that type of mentality. We do need to fight-- with the weapons we have-- the constitution, letters, and votes, my friends. Speaking of votes, it is recommended that NO ONE votes either Republican or Democratic-- rather- cast your vote for one of the minor party candidates-- you will need to look for a lot of them, as they generally do not make it to the ballot list! Terry W --- Carol J. Elkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Our government has long been working outside the boundaries that we defined when we created it to be our SERVANT government via the Constitution and the BIll of Rights. ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Lambs Born
Many young mothers and/or first time mothers have smaller babies. This applies to almost all species. It is sort of like the Momma is practicing the pregnancy, parturation and raising stuff. As long as Momma and baby are both behaving normally, the baby continues to gain and remain active, you are okay. Who knows, the little one may ony day be your most prized ram! Terry ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] cider vinegar?
Carol, Does the AC vinegar need to have the mother in it to be effective? Terry ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] for sale
Would county or state fairs have objections to exhibits that were not competeing? I noticed at my county's fair last year that there were no meat goats-- just dairy breeds. All the sheep were woolies. One lady had a Scottish Highland cow and her calf there-- but I believe it was entered as a beef contender. There is one person who brings Irish Dexter's-- and has a stand-up display of them working under yoke. Getting a bunch of rare breeds together under one tent, so to speak, may be a great way to spread the word about other issues-- to more than just agricultural people! And if the animals have been handled so that they are docile (with and without horns)and socialized to the experience, then that is all the better for ambassadorship. Terry W --- Rick Krach [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I learned from him that lambs at our fair had to meet the minimum requirement of 80 pounds! No wonder kids can never show Blackbellies! Rick Krach Auburn, California (530) 889-1488 ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] for sale
I figure do what the alpaca people did In other words-- create a demand!!! But not on the Alpaca scale--Quite frankly, I like Alpaca. llamas, etc-- but I am NOT going to pay the equivalent of what, for me, is two years of income for one animal! I will visit my extension office tomorrow and see if maybe I can get a foot into the 4-H door. There is not a lot of real animal agriculture going on in this county-- but the two neighboring counties are pretty much nothing but rural. A friend passed on to me, via e-mail, an article on how the mini-cows can actually be used to produce more beef per acre than a full-sized cow, and I am thinking that would be a great way to sell the smaller hair sheep to the bigger is better mentality. Sheep are a bit smaller boned, proportionately, and they reproduce a lot faster!!! Terry --- Susan Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Terry, County Fairs and State Fairs from my understanding do the exotic/different breeds exhibits. I wish you luck with 4-H. Sue From: Terry Wereb [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [blackbelly] for sale Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 05:56:29 -0800 (PST) Okay-- when I get my sheep-ses- I will see what I can do for sheep! I am also considering rare breed rabbits. Maybe I can go through the ALBC membership directory, and Borrow a few other breeds/species for display purposes only for my local fairs-- there are four on four consecutive weekends here-- and one of them is THE GREAT GEAUGA COUNTY FAIR!!! ( Last fair of the year in Ohio. Always well attended-- AND the one of the two local ones that the AMISH attend. And I already know that those communities are looking for something to help with their farm economics- a few are already raising goats for the ethnic markets, but have few resources to get them there! And I can help with that! Terry --- Susan Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I agree that is a great idea Terry! Speaking from my own experience about puting up an exibit like that at a 4-H Fair, I ran into a bunch of well, we'll have to ask the fair board, or there is no monies for extra exibits, etc. There was so much of that I just quit trying. Not that you all should quit, but after 3 years of it I just decided to quit trying. I even tried to give preimuns to the children who won in all breed classes as an incentive to show other breeds of sheep, including Blackbellys and 4-H wouldn't let me. If you could get a lot of people together who have different breeds of anything animal wise then go for it. I still believe there is a place for Blackbellys at the fairs. Sue From: Terry Wereb [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [blackbelly] for sale Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 05:19:56 -0800 (PST) Would county or state fairs have objections to exhibits that were not competeing? I noticed at my county's fair last year that there were no meat goats-- just dairy breeds. All the sheep were woolies. One lady had a Scottish Highland cow and her calf there-- but I believe it was entered as a beef contender. There is one person who brings Irish Dexter's-- and has a stand-up display of them working under yoke. Getting a bunch of rare breeds together under one tent, so to speak, may be a great way to spread the word about other issues-- to more than just agricultural people! And if the animals have been handled so that they are docile (with and without horns)and socialized to the experience, then that is all the better for ambassadorship. Terry W --- Rick Krach [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I learned from him that lambs at our fair had to meet the minimum requirement of 80 pounds! No wonder kids can never show Blackbellies! Rick Krach Auburn, California (530) 889-1488 ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info _ Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/ ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list
Re: [blackbelly] Horn Genetics question
Basic genetics would say yes as the liklihood of getting all the genetics necessary to produce horns would be greater. Terry --- David Kellough [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If a horned ewe and a horned ram produce a ewe lamb, is the odds much greater the ewe lamb will have horns? just wondering David Kellough ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Flooring for housing
Mark-- Another advantage of portable housing is this-- IT IS NOT REAL ESTATE! therefore-- it cannot be taxed as an improvement on the property. Many of the local Alpaca peole here use the design for their males or specific breeding groups. It permits the housing to also be in the pasture that is being grazed, rather than having top herd the animals from barn to pasture-- Terry --- The Wintermutes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Terry, I only bed my sheep down when it is very cold, wet or when they have newborns. I personally don't like ammonia build-up or moisture of any kind inside my barns. I wouldn't worry too much about heat loss to the ground unless the ground is wet. I feel a solid wind break is needed especially for babies. An idea for you, I have found my sheep absolutely love to jump up on an old tool bench counter to lie down. Maybe some simple benches would keep them dry. I like the idea of portable housing. It would be nice to be able to hook up a tractor and move the barn rather than clean it out! Mark Wintermute -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Terry Wereb Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 11:21 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: [blackbelly] Flooring for housing I have a decision to make, and I need some serious input-- I will be using portable housing for my flock in order to best utilize intensive grazing methods. the plans can be made so that the housing is made with or without a wood floor. either way I go-- the housing will be set on raised beds of crushed stone in orer to keep moisture away from the frame and skids of the building. This will also prevent the floor from getting flooded when it does rain. If I go no wood floor, the skids will be an issue for MY footing- I may have difficulty stepping over the skids on some days- I am sure the sheep will have no problem with it. If I use a floor, I will need to seal it against moisture from the normal animal waste process. Either way-- there will be deep bedding to prevent pressure sores. By deep-- I like to see horses knee deep when straw is just put in, so I figure sheep can be proportionately as deep, with a layer of corn cob bedding underneath for absorption of liquid waste. Is there an advantage to having a wood floor that anyone has noticed? I am looking at considerations of heat loss ( body to ground) in the winter, opportunities for unfriendly critters to set up housekeeping, and, of course, cost. I can originally build with no floor and add later-- the wall frames on the plans go up before the floor is laid down. I am located in NE Ohio- in the snow belt, so to speak. I will be building a floored building for my rabbits for the winter, as they won't pasture well then, and their building will also hold feed and medical supplies for the whole farm. But do I need it for the sheep? Terry ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.in fo ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info
Re: [blackbelly] Rejected Ram Lamb
Elaine, It is great to know Pete is doing well. Now I have a question for everyone-- I have done Wildlife Rehab, with some success- and orphans are no biggie for me. But, has anyone tried getting another ewe to adopt the rejected lambs? I ask this because I should be getting my first sheep in a few months, and even though I understand the imprinting process, and know how to work around it, I would rather have sheep get raised by sheep, dogs by dogs, etc...There is no more frustrating thing than to have an animal imprint on a human or another species, and not get along with it's own. So, Elaine-- for most intents and purposes-- you have found a way to alleviate the improper imprinting of the lamb. Good job. Terry W ___ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info