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  1. Ponker

    buying sheep

    I agree that they could use a little nutrition. Do you offer them any loose minerals (specifically for sheep)? How about hay? When my girls are lactating, I give them some grain and good alfalfa hay. They keep their weight. Also, check the results of the fecal for any worm loads that may need...
  2. Ponker

    buying sheep

    I have three rams who live together most of the year. They are all friendly. I scratch their necks and clean their wool. Never touch the top of their heads or push on their head to steer them or move them. They're a nice group of gentlemen. I've had them all since they were young. My oldest ram...
  3. Ponker

    buying sheep

    Perhaps if you speak to the woman who sold you the ram, she'd be willing to either trade you for a wether or sell you a young wether for a modest price. I bought my buck from a breeder who always includes a wether if he's the only male. Cool idea, although I've never encountered this...
  4. Ponker

    buying sheep

    My new ram, Casper (Finnsheep) was 4 months old when I got him and 8 months old when he bred 5 ewes. He was not allowed contact with the ewes until breeding time. I keep a wether with my little Nigerian buck to keep him happy and calm and I keep two rams for the same reason. A ram by himself...
  5. Ponker

    New lamb and yearling owners....

    The little fellow that didn't get colostrum will need to be watched carefully. Lambs that don't get the colostrum are sometimes touch and go. Do you know if mom was vaccinated with cdt about a month before they were born? Bottle babies can definitely be overfed. Follow the guidelines to the...
  6. Ponker

    Pregnant?

    Since Shetland Sheep are seasonal breeders with the ewes coming into season in October or November, I'd say that your ewe is probably pregnant. Back calculating with the earliest date of October 1, she'd be due at the end of February. I agree with norseofcourse with separating the ram. The ewe...
  7. Ponker

    Mud and Pregnant Ewes

    My neighbors have an area that gets very deep mud. He has a lot of hoof problems and lameness during the wet season. Do your sheep have any problems with mud packing their oil gland on their feet? Or scald from the mud? My neighbor is forever treating for both. You have beautiful sheep and...
  8. Ponker

    Because BYH

    I don't post all that much but I'm always using the search option to find answers. Very valuable place.
  9. Ponker

    Straightening out a trailer?

    I might park the trailer next to a couple of sturdy wooden fence posts and then use a chain and come-a-long to persuade those poles out.
  10. Ponker

    new to sheep

    I started with registered stock. Finnsheep. One good aspect of beginning with registered stock is that you can see the lineage. Looking at the lineage is interesting and educational. When adding a ram in the future, it is possible to see shared ancestors. This can alert you to potential good and...
  11. Ponker

    Minimum # of feet goat pasture should be from big pond

    The local extension office is a great resource for those questions. Also, the conservation department can do a wildlife survey of your land and give you a plan (all voluntary) for erosion control, fire breaks, and other improvements. There is grant money available for even small farmers for...
  12. Ponker

    Coughing... Lung worms OR Virus?

    I just saw your post. I'm sorry to hear about the cough in your goats. Its so frustrating. I think you may have better luck with some advice by posting in the goat section. The goat people on here are so helpful and kind. Well, everyone is really. Don't be discouraged. The goat experts will...
  13. Ponker

    My new ewe lamb is sick

    Pipestone got back to me: "I don’t know if she has originated in a fluke area. Fluke diagnosis may not be correct. What is correct is she is trying to recover from an disabling condition or conditions and it’s a long road back. I would worm her with levamisole, correct dosage that is listed on...
  14. Ponker

    My new ewe lamb is sick

    I have contacted the University of Arkansas Agricultural School. They've forawrded my letter to the Veterinary School. I'm hopeful they're going to help. Thank you for the advice.
  15. Ponker

    BYH Official Poll: What are the things that you should consider before buying herds?

    Also be sure to have test results in hand for the animals you're bringing home. Do not ever ever bring an untested animal to your property. Some diseases live in the soil for years! Demand test results for the prevalent diseases of the selected animal. Never take anyone's word for it. Walk away...
  16. Ponker

    CAN YOU HELP WITH SOME INFORMATION ON YOUR SHEEP FARM?

    1. I have 7 breeding ewes and 3 rams. They are purebred Finnsheep, a wool breed with a small niche meat market. 2. We are just retired and have been in operation one year. Our business plan puits us at break even for three years and then we will generate a steady but small income. It will be an...
  17. Ponker

    White eyed sheep

    There are a few over the counter pinkeye remedies at the feedstore here in Arkansas. When my little lamb Marilyn had a problem that I knew wasn't pinkeye, I used a terramyacin ointment on it twice a day for 3 days. She healed up fine although hers weren't clouded over like yours. It looks like...
  18. Ponker

    My new ewe lamb is sick

    Marilyn is the only one struggling with this specific problem. My other girls are fine (thank heavens!) and my boys are fat and happy. I used Cydectin for my dewormer this year and it worked fine. And yes, goats and sheep have very different dosages for the same product. Usually goats are dosed...
  19. Ponker

    My new ewe lamb is sick

    I've been looking around for Ivomec Plus and only find the cattle injectable. Is that the correct product or is there a specific sheep Ivomec Plus? I've found some older forums posting about giving this subQ for sheep at 1cc/110lbs. Anyone confirm this dosage? And product? I've not dared to...
  20. Ponker

    My new ewe lamb is sick

    Thanks for the link to MidAmerica. I'd love the doublecheck. I'm beside myself with worry over her and the rest of the flock and if I'm doing the fecals right or if I am missing something. I'll get another sample from her so I can send one in to MidAmerica and do one myself and compare. I'll be...
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