norseofcourse's journal - spring and show update

[norseofcourse]

purplequeenvt - thanks! And thanks for your advice, too.

I'm glad to see you like the Premier feeders. I have wondered if I might need to make them a bit shorter, as Icelandics aren't a large breed. And the ones born last spring are shorter than their moms still. I'm guessing they might be about the same size as Shetlands - did you make your feeders shorter, or can yours reach the hay alright?

 

[purplequeenvt]

Our Shetland flock is a recent addition to the farm, but they (except for the littlest babies) are able to eat out of the feeders pretty easily.

 

[norseofcourse]

I went out to feed this evening, interested to see how Elding would act after having flipped him this morning. I had their hay, water, and the muck bucket to put the old hay in. Usually the sheep meet me at their gate, and follow me in a little 'sheep parade' to the run-in area of the barn. Elding was usually the first in line following me to the barn. Well, this evening, he wasn't right up front, and I looked back several times as I walked to the barn, and he was third in line! Maybe his following me so closely meant more to him than it did to me.

I cleaned out and refilled the hay feeder, and the sheep started munching. I stood back to watch them for a bit, as they ate and moved around the feeder (because, of course, the hay the sheep beside them is eating *must* be better than they hay they are eating!). Elding ate for a bit, then came away from the feeder and stood looking at me. Then he slowly took several steps back. I stayed where I was as he made a little dash towards me and stopped about four feet away. It was a clearly aggressive move. I knew I had to flip him again.

I stepped toward him, and got ahold of him. It took a little longer to flip him this time - he hadn't completely forgotten about this morning. He struggled a little more once I had him down, but I held on, and I wasn't hurting him, but I wasn't about to let him get up till he stopped. He stopped, and I waited till he relaxed some, then I let go. He got back up, shook himself off, and walked over to the hay feeder. I went to refill their water and he looked at me, then he shook his head again and went back to eating hay. I think he is learning - I just hope he learns fast, and well.

 

[norseofcourse]

I think Elding is learning! I went out to feed this morning. Elding again was third in line as they followed me to the barn. I started to clean out the hay feeder, and Elding was watching me. I had to kneel down to clean the feeder out, which took me down to Elding's level, so I watched him carefully. He stood a bit away and looked at me. Then he took a few steps back, slowly. I watched him out of the corner of my eye, as I continued to clean out the feeder. And he turned and walked away! woohoo!

I stayed with them for awhile as they ate. They are so well insulated that the snow in their wool doesn't melt. We've gotten at least three inches so far today, on top of what we already have. My footprints from walking to the barn were filled with a quarter inch of snow by the time I walked back to the house. We may have a warmup coming in a few days - think spring!

 

[norseofcourse]

Elding has been doing fairly well, behavior-wise. At least to me. There have been a few times that he's acted a bit irritated or impatient, and he turns and butts one of the other sheep. I'm glad he's not targeting me, but I don't want any of the others to get hurt, either - especially since three of them should be pregnant (due in April).

I got a picture of everyone this morning - from the left is Brosa (the only one with horns), born last spring. Beside her is her mom Gracie, now nearly two years old. In the back is Elding, the ram. Next is Rose, same age as Gracie, and beside her is her black and white lamb from last year, my wether Little Boy. We are all ready for spring!

 

[jodief100]

That is such a wonderful picture. That are all so cute with their fluffy coats.

 

[norseofcourse]

Thanks jodief!

Spring is so close, but winter's back tonight. Close to three inches of snow so far, and blowing all over the place. Weather says there may be sleet and freezing rain too, oh joy.

I didn't get much done this past weekend. I printed off the instructions for the Premier1 feeder, and after measuring the sheep some, I think they'll be able to reach it alright. I am altering a few dimensions so it'll hold more hay, and the 4' high goat panel from TSC will work better. I'll need to buy the plywood, but I think I have everything else.

It's fun watching all the lambing threads and seeing all the new lamb pictures! Mine aren't due till April and it seems like a long way away.

The sheep broke their mineral feeder about a week or so ago, and I finally got it put back up the other day. I filled it with several cups of loose mineral, and Elding must have thought I was bringing food, because he got antsy, and then finally he made a little 'practice run' towards me. As I flipped him, I was glad I have a smaller breed. It didn't take long for him to have an "Oh, right...." moment, and he behaved after that. He still wanted fed - I guess with the girls all pregnant he has to find something else to obsess over! lol

We're supposed to have warmer temperatures all this week. We are all so ready for spring.

 

[Four Winds Ranch]

They look like they each have their own personalities!!!
I miss the old days with just a few sheep which made it possible for me to get to know each ones personallity! Now, there is just to many, but I still have each a name and although I have a horrid memory, when it comes to my babies I can remember each of my girls stats and lambing record up to 3 years back!
Most of mine are due the end of March and into April too!

 

[norseofcourse]

A few updates: I am now less than a month away from the first possible lambing date! I gave everyone CD-T shots on March 2. It was just me, but it didn't go too badly. I had to use a gambrel on Elding and Little Boy, but not on the girls. Their hooves could use a bit of a trim too, but since they weren't too bad, I'll wait till it's a bit warmer.

Speaking of warmer, we're still waiting for spring to come, and it looks like we finally have a warmup coming. It got down to 1°F last night, I sure hope that's the last really cold night for the rest of the winter.

I was looking at the sheep last week, hoping to perhaps see some sign of lambs. I stared at Gracie's side, and it was moving - woohoo! Then I looked at Little Boy... and his side was moving too. I am fairly certain he is not pregnant I am also fairly certain I have no idea what I'm looking for!

And today I got word from the mill that my wool (from last fall's shearing) is ready I'll be getting between 5 and 6 pounds back, all cleaned and turned into roving. I need to keep practicing my spinning so I can do a good job with my own wool.

Come on spring!!

 

[norseofcourse]

Rose and Gracie are both getting udders!!! At least, I'm pretty sure they are. They haven't started shedding yet, but I managed a quick feel on Gracie, and I'm pretty sure I see Rose's udder filling out, too. Nothing on Brosa yet, but this is her first time, so I'm not expecting anything quite yet.

I need to get working on the milking stand! And get to the hay feeder, too, so I can start feeding them some pellets. We're finally getting some hints of spring here, the snow and ice are starting to melt and the daytime temps are going above freezing. Come on spring!