Baymule
Herd Master
Freezing weather is inconvenient but chores can still be done. It’s a whole lot easier when you have help!
Ridgetop - our place and how we muddle along
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Ridgetop
Herd Master
Starting to get a rythm to the wintertime chores and freezing weather. DS1 pulls hay off the roll, loads it in the wheelbarrow, and brings it over to the side barn for me to feed. I feed the jugs, let the sheep out (sometimes we have to drive the sheep out of the pen in this cold), and close the gate. I feed the horses and rams their grain measure. DH runs buckets of hot water back and forth from the kitchen while DS1 breaks the ice in the buckets in the different animal pens and dumps the hot water in the ewes' buckets. This morning DS1 and I drove the sheep out into the cold, cold world. We ignored the sad exressions on their faces. An hour later DA1 was callig to e fro the pasture shere 3033 had just delivered a lamb. I went to check and it had just been born. She was cleaning it off and talking to it. DS1 wanted me to move it into a jug but she still had a big water bag hanging it abd I had just put the corn cobs stuff in the remaining jug so I left her out there to deliver the afterbirth instead of getting the nice dry stll all wet again. Half an hour later I went to get her and her lamb and she was cleaning off a second one! She hadn't even looked very pregnant - only the udder gve it away - it was a nice surprise. Another pair of ram lambs. She is out of an Australian import ram and these lambs are out of my embryo South African ram so should be good ones. 
If they are nice I will keep them for sale as breeding rams.
The hoses are still frozen and DH and DS1 have decided that drinking the icy water is not as good for the ewes. They will drink more if the water is warm. We have discarded the idea of putting a hot water heater in the barn. DS1 pointed out that if it froze, it would rupture the tank. He suggested an Instant On HWH, then changed his mind and instead suggested getting a propane base burner for a turkey fryer. He found one that is large enough for my huge black enamel canning kettle to fit. He said that we could use it to melt the ice from the buckets instead of wasting the water by tosing the ice to the ground. It sits up about 30" off the ground so won't catch the grass on fire. It aso has baffles around the flame burner so the wind won't put it out. The wind comes in strong here. After discussing this we decided it was a better idea than a hot water heater. DS1 is a clever fellow. We might even be able to use it for canning in the summer in the carport!
Yesterday DH and I couldn't get any DriStall for the jugs. Sold out. However when I went back to see what type of bedding they had at Atwoods, I found 40 lb bales of corn cob bedding. I bought 3 to try then looked it up this morning on the computer. Although most of the reviews were for horse stalls, they have a good reputation for soaking up moisture - up to 99% of their weight in water! DS1 and I went back today and bought another dozen bales. One bale only does one stall, but they only had 12 bales left so I will make them stretch. I will check around and see if I can find any somewhere else. They also had small bales (about 30 lbs.) of straw for $17.99!!!
I like straw bedding but not at that price! These should work fine, and I have decided to go with deep bedding - layering dry bedding on top of the old. I will just toss the old discarded grass hay out of the feeders onto the stall floow when I feed. Come spring we will remove everything and till it into the garden. I also found some bridle clips (clips with rectangular attachment areas on the base for the leather straps) to use with webbing to make bucket holders for the jugs. Dumping buckets over in jugs is a problem. I currently have the handles tied to the stak railings with bits of hay rope. The pieces of rope are small and difficult to untie when I want to change or clean the buckets. My original bucket clips were actually short Boer leads for showing. You can't show Boers by holding their collars because of their horns. They look like traffic leashes for dogs which is actually a 12-14" handle with a clip that attaches to the collar. I had quite a few of these when the chidren were showing Boers but gave a lot of them tp a friend whose kids were till showing Boers. I fund the last 4 I had and toried using them as bucket clips and they worked perfectly. I am sure I have them somewhere but can only find one that was still attached to one of the jug panels when we moved them. I will make more by buying the clips and attaching them to a webbing loop. I found 6 of them for $3.50 each at Fix and Feed. DS1 found thm on Amazon in bulk - box of 10 for $12.98! I have plenty of webbing so Bucket Clips here I come. I could buy them already made for $18.95+ EACH plus shipping but no need. A quick stitching with my sewing machine and done!
DH got the truck gasket fixed today and it was $500 less than the original quote so that was good. Then he and DS1 went out to the barn and started work on the lights for the jugs. DS1 wanted to get at least one heat lamb operating for a ewe that has been poorly. Her hooves were terrible, all twisted under and over. She was walking on her pasterns and had that look that signifies pain. DS1 and I trimmed them day before yesterday and she was sore yesterday. Today she was shivering and didn't want to get up. We gave her a large dose of Pennicillin and Vitamin B. DS1 felt that she would feel better if she had a heat lamp since she was in the end jug that is open to the barnyard and the north wind blows in. Yesterday I put cardboard boxes along the side of the pen - big thank you to whoever posted that idea on BYH - I knew those large Chewy boxes and picture moving boxes would be good for something. I did the same in the big barn on the west side since I have 4 jugs there that were exposed to the wind. LOL Today I also put more of the large boxes in front of a hole in the wall of the side barn The hole was probably cut to allow access to a dog while another hole was almost directly opposite resulting from damaged tin that I had to cut away to put up the jugs.
The dog hole is on the north side where the freezing wind blows in and since there was a hole directly across from it there was a bad cross wind blowing through the jugs. DS1 and DH finished the wiring to allow one heat light over her pen. When D1 came in after putting away the supplies he said she was standing under the lamp. Hopefully she will feel better in the morning. Tomorrow afternoon DH has to go to Bonham to pick up his hearig aids.
< DS1 and me dancing for joy!
DS1 wants to try to get more of the electric installed in the morning. They also want to jump the tractor with the truck and remove Moyboy while he is still frozen. Another full day in sub-freezing temperatures. LOL
If they are nice I will keep them for sale as breeding rams. The hoses are still frozen and DH and DS1 have decided that drinking the icy water is not as good for the ewes. They will drink more if the water is warm. We have discarded the idea of putting a hot water heater in the barn. DS1 pointed out that if it froze, it would rupture the tank. He suggested an Instant On HWH, then changed his mind and instead suggested getting a propane base burner for a turkey fryer. He found one that is large enough for my huge black enamel canning kettle to fit. He said that we could use it to melt the ice from the buckets instead of wasting the water by tosing the ice to the ground. It sits up about 30" off the ground so won't catch the grass on fire. It aso has baffles around the flame burner so the wind won't put it out. The wind comes in strong here. After discussing this we decided it was a better idea than a hot water heater. DS1 is a clever fellow. We might even be able to use it for canning in the summer in the carport!
Yesterday DH and I couldn't get any DriStall for the jugs. Sold out. However when I went back to see what type of bedding they had at Atwoods, I found 40 lb bales of corn cob bedding. I bought 3 to try then looked it up this morning on the computer. Although most of the reviews were for horse stalls, they have a good reputation for soaking up moisture - up to 99% of their weight in water! DS1 and I went back today and bought another dozen bales. One bale only does one stall, but they only had 12 bales left so I will make them stretch. I will check around and see if I can find any somewhere else. They also had small bales (about 30 lbs.) of straw for $17.99!!!
I like straw bedding but not at that price! These should work fine, and I have decided to go with deep bedding - layering dry bedding on top of the old. I will just toss the old discarded grass hay out of the feeders onto the stall floow when I feed. Come spring we will remove everything and till it into the garden. I also found some bridle clips (clips with rectangular attachment areas on the base for the leather straps) to use with webbing to make bucket holders for the jugs. Dumping buckets over in jugs is a problem. I currently have the handles tied to the stak railings with bits of hay rope. The pieces of rope are small and difficult to untie when I want to change or clean the buckets. My original bucket clips were actually short Boer leads for showing. You can't show Boers by holding their collars because of their horns. They look like traffic leashes for dogs which is actually a 12-14" handle with a clip that attaches to the collar. I had quite a few of these when the chidren were showing Boers but gave a lot of them tp a friend whose kids were till showing Boers. I fund the last 4 I had and toried using them as bucket clips and they worked perfectly. I am sure I have them somewhere but can only find one that was still attached to one of the jug panels when we moved them. I will make more by buying the clips and attaching them to a webbing loop. I found 6 of them for $3.50 each at Fix and Feed. DS1 found thm on Amazon in bulk - box of 10 for $12.98! I have plenty of webbing so Bucket Clips here I come. I could buy them already made for $18.95+ EACH plus shipping but no need. A quick stitching with my sewing machine and done! DH got the truck gasket fixed today and it was $500 less than the original quote so that was good. Then he and DS1 went out to the barn and started work on the lights for the jugs. DS1 wanted to get at least one heat lamb operating for a ewe that has been poorly. Her hooves were terrible, all twisted under and over. She was walking on her pasterns and had that look that signifies pain. DS1 and I trimmed them day before yesterday and she was sore yesterday. Today she was shivering and didn't want to get up. We gave her a large dose of Pennicillin and Vitamin B. DS1 felt that she would feel better if she had a heat lamp since she was in the end jug that is open to the barnyard and the north wind blows in. Yesterday I put cardboard boxes along the side of the pen - big thank you to whoever posted that idea on BYH - I knew those large Chewy boxes and picture moving boxes would be good for something. I did the same in the big barn on the west side since I have 4 jugs there that were exposed to the wind. LOL Today I also put more of the large boxes in front of a hole in the wall of the side barn The hole was probably cut to allow access to a dog while another hole was almost directly opposite resulting from damaged tin that I had to cut away to put up the jugs.
The dog hole is on the north side where the freezing wind blows in and since there was a hole directly across from it there was a bad cross wind blowing through the jugs. DS1 and DH finished the wiring to allow one heat light over her pen. When D1 came in after putting away the supplies he said she was standing under the lamp. Hopefully she will feel better in the morning. Tomorrow afternoon DH has to go to Bonham to pick up his hearig aids.
< DS1 and me dancing for joy! DS1 wants to try to get more of the electric installed in the morning. They also want to jump the tractor with the truck and remove Moyboy while he is still frozen. Another full day in sub-freezing temperatures. LOL
Baymule
Herd Master
Welcome to Texas! We threw you a party! Plenty of ice, chip some out of those buckets and fix yourself a stiff drink!
- Thread starter
- #4,454
Ridgetop
Herd Master
After a break from the chilling wind yesterday, this morning the wind had picked up and was very cold - about 20. The wind had also changed direction and was blowing up from that cold front in the south. Two ewes ha lambd - P19 with a tiny ram lamb, and P20 with 2 nice little split twins. P20's ewe lamb wil be a keeper - P20 is the only daughter I have of 8040 who had excellent bloodlines. The arrival of these lambs meant I had to scurry to build 2 new jugs. I was able to use a 12' Priefert gate, a piece of stock panel and one of the 5' panels I scavenged from another jug. I put the 12' gate paralell to another 12' panel that formed one side of the sheep pen. There was a gate in the10' pane crosswise that had been the entry to the old creep. I used it as a gate to one half of the 12'x5' pen then put the 5' panel at the other end and the stock panel piece in the middle. Presto - two 5' x 6' jugs. It only entailed removing the tractor auger, sprayer, 2 heavy metal horse feeders, a pallet, several 50-75 gallon Rubbermaid tubs, etc. that were stored in that area. I have enough of the short 36" black garden panels to make one more jug then we are out of panels. DH looked at the jugs and said we need to buy more jug panels. We do but I am hoping to avoid spending the money just now.
I think we can take the small solar charger (that was not strng for the many feet f fencing A1 put up last summer, and the unused 160' electric fence and use it to make a fence for the older lambs and their mamas. D1 said he didnt think it would be enough fence so I sai we woud take the 160' off the fence in the pasture and move that fence smaller. I have to wait for Cody to come and move a few hay bales first. He is coming either Thursday night or Friday. So far 20 ewes have lambed, we have another 21 to go. A couple don't look pregnant but a couple that have twinned didn't look pregnant either . . . . LOL Once everyone has lambed and weaned their lambs we will sort the ewes out to see who will be sold. I need to cut down at least 10-15 since I will be keeping several of the ewe lambs that already are looking really nice. I would like to keep the flock to about 30-35 with 3 rams. I won't be able to do the rotational grazing program with more than that. I still will need more jugs though.
Today DH and I went to Bonham and he got his new hearing aids! He can hear!DS1 and I are so grateful. Tomorrow is a full day. DS1 and DH are removing the frozen body of Moyboy from the ram pen. I told them they better get on to it before a thaw comes and he starts to smell. He is upwind of the house and barn. 
Then they will be installing the rest of the electric in the barn. I will be planning out the new creep pen and mama pen while spreading the corn cob bedding in the jugs. I also have to make a pan of brownies for Cody and his family since he is coming to move the hay. Payton is home with a fever so Cody said he woud do it. Such nice people.
We got bad news on the tractor. It is not finished.
And the parts people that said they had the tractor arms now are saying that they thought we had them and were bringing them "later". WHAT?! They specifically told us they had a pair in stock, chrged us for them, now they are blaming the error on an employee who has been conveniently fired. They are looking for a pair, and DS1 said he will call the other Farmtrac dealer in MO or somewhere. We paid for the both the front loader AND ARMS, and it is noted on our check, so are not pleased. We would not have taken the trctor down to the mechanic near Houston if we had not been told that they had the arms. They said that the mechanic has another Farmtrac they would sell us for $15,000 and take our tractor as part trade, but we have already paid $4000 for all the parts to make ours like new. We were already told by the mechanic that our tractor is a better model that the one they want to sell us. Besides if I were going to pay $15,000 for another tractor I would not buy a used (rebuilt) Farmtrac that has only 3 dealers in the US and is hard to find someone to work on. Anyway, while we wait for them to find some arms, our tractor is in Houston and we are calling Cody to move our hay.
I think we can take the small solar charger (that was not strng for the many feet f fencing A1 put up last summer, and the unused 160' electric fence and use it to make a fence for the older lambs and their mamas. D1 said he didnt think it would be enough fence so I sai we woud take the 160' off the fence in the pasture and move that fence smaller. I have to wait for Cody to come and move a few hay bales first. He is coming either Thursday night or Friday. So far 20 ewes have lambed, we have another 21 to go. A couple don't look pregnant but a couple that have twinned didn't look pregnant either . . . . LOL Once everyone has lambed and weaned their lambs we will sort the ewes out to see who will be sold. I need to cut down at least 10-15 since I will be keeping several of the ewe lambs that already are looking really nice. I would like to keep the flock to about 30-35 with 3 rams. I won't be able to do the rotational grazing program with more than that. I still will need more jugs though.
Today DH and I went to Bonham and he got his new hearing aids! He can hear!
DS1 and I are so grateful. Tomorrow is a full day. DS1 and DH are removing the frozen body of Moyboy from the ram pen. I told them they better get on to it before a thaw comes and he starts to smell. He is upwind of the house and barn. Then they will be installing the rest of the electric in the barn. I will be planning out the new creep pen and mama pen while spreading the corn cob bedding in the jugs. I also have to make a pan of brownies for Cody and his family since he is coming to move the hay. Payton is home with a fever so Cody said he woud do it. Such nice people.We got bad news on the tractor. It is not finished.
And the parts people that said they had the tractor arms now are saying that they thought we had them and were bringing them "later". WHAT?! They specifically told us they had a pair in stock, chrged us for them, now they are blaming the error on an employee who has been conveniently fired. They are looking for a pair, and DS1 said he will call the other Farmtrac dealer in MO or somewhere. We paid for the both the front loader AND ARMS, and it is noted on our check, so are not pleased. We would not have taken the trctor down to the mechanic near Houston if we had not been told that they had the arms. They said that the mechanic has another Farmtrac they would sell us for $15,000 and take our tractor as part trade, but we have already paid $4000 for all the parts to make ours like new. We were already told by the mechanic that our tractor is a better model that the one they want to sell us. Besides if I were going to pay $15,000 for another tractor I would not buy a used (rebuilt) Farmtrac that has only 3 dealers in the US and is hard to find someone to work on. Anyway, while we wait for them to find some arms, our tractor is in Houston and we are calling Cody to move our hay.
Baymule
Herd Master
On the jugs, have you thought about jugging 2 ewes together? I only have a couple of small pens, so my girls have to share. It works. I have Tiny and her triplets and her sister, Nova and her twins in one small pen with one of the Quonset huts for shelter. I have a larger pen that I can move them into when more ewes lamb. My main concern is making sure Tiny gets enough to eat so she can feed her triplets.
If you have ewes with singles, put them together and it will make room for the new moms.
You are having some very fine ewe lambs, born here, will grow up here and thrive here. You can cull those ewes you brought here that don’t adjust and do well, and replace them with their daughters.
But for now, double up on the jugs, give those girls a roommate!
If you have ewes with singles, put them together and it will make room for the new moms.
You are having some very fine ewe lambs, born here, will grow up here and thrive here. You can cull those ewes you brought here that don’t adjust and do well, and replace them with their daughters.
But for now, double up on the jugs, give those girls a roommate!
- Thread starter
- #4,456
Ridgetop
Herd Master
We did not get any snow although it was predicted for Saturday. Below freezing both day and night - coldest was 16 degrees - boiling water carried to barn. Up to 52 today. Shed out of heavy jackets while working.
Jugs are only 5 x 5. One ewe jumped over the short black garden fences this evening when putting out grain buckets. I cn raise them now that the lambs are lightly larger. Hopefully we will rearrange the jugs and make a large single pen with a creep for the ewes that allow them to go out and eat grass in the barn yard. I have fencing to put around the trailer to keep out the lambs. Too bad, because it would have protected them from those black buzzards, but the dogs will have to work. DS1 said we can move the jug panels into the large side of the barn an set them up. Lost a ewe today. Not sure why, she was fine last night when I fed. She was in a jug because she was lame. However it opened up a jug for P5 who had split twins. She is one of my Grade 5 girls.
One of my ewes that lambed with a dead lamb has been off. She had terrible feet and we trimmed them but she has spent a lot of time laying down. I am suspecting she had another lamb that didn;t pass. I fostered a lamb over to her and she has been feeding it but she is verybloated looking. Gave her a big dose of Penn on Tuesday along with vitamin B. Picked up a bottle of Oxytocin today from the vet and will give her a shot tomorrow to see if she can expel any dead stuff. Don't want to lose her, and don't want a bottle lamb. If the Oxy doesn't work, I will give her another whack of Penn and take her in to the vet for an ultrasound. DS1 got her up today and turned her out and she walked around a bit but acts like it is painful. Not like sore hooves though.
Today DS1 and DH worked on the electrical in the barn.
They even gave me an outlet and a light switch!
They decided that they need to put 2 more lights in since you need more light in the end of the barn.
DS1 is working on the heat lamps although now he has revamped his plans. I amnot sure how he is doig it now but aparently we will have several central outlets for the heat lamps to plug in. And detachable heat lamp bases.
He has it all planned out so I stay out of their way until it is time for me to admire their work. The side barn is only 11' wide but is 60' long so needs several lights long the length. It is partially enclosed at the far end so is like a long dark cave even during the day.
Having lights in the barn will be useful not only for lambing or taking care of animals, but if we have to do anything in the summer, it will be more comfortable to do it at night. My heroes are making it happen. (And while DH and I were at his audio appt. in Bonham, DS1 removed Moyboy.
Jugs are only 5 x 5. One ewe jumped over the short black garden fences this evening when putting out grain buckets. I cn raise them now that the lambs are lightly larger. Hopefully we will rearrange the jugs and make a large single pen with a creep for the ewes that allow them to go out and eat grass in the barn yard. I have fencing to put around the trailer to keep out the lambs. Too bad, because it would have protected them from those black buzzards, but the dogs will have to work. DS1 said we can move the jug panels into the large side of the barn an set them up. Lost a ewe today. Not sure why, she was fine last night when I fed. She was in a jug because she was lame. However it opened up a jug for P5 who had split twins. She is one of my Grade 5 girls.
One of my ewes that lambed with a dead lamb has been off. She had terrible feet and we trimmed them but she has spent a lot of time laying down. I am suspecting she had another lamb that didn;t pass. I fostered a lamb over to her and she has been feeding it but she is verybloated looking. Gave her a big dose of Penn on Tuesday along with vitamin B. Picked up a bottle of Oxytocin today from the vet and will give her a shot tomorrow to see if she can expel any dead stuff. Don't want to lose her, and don't want a bottle lamb. If the Oxy doesn't work, I will give her another whack of Penn and take her in to the vet for an ultrasound. DS1 got her up today and turned her out and she walked around a bit but acts like it is painful. Not like sore hooves though.
Today DS1 and DH worked on the electrical in the barn.
They even gave me an outlet and a light switch!
They decided that they need to put 2 more lights in since you need more light in the end of the barn.
DS1 is working on the heat lamps although now he has revamped his plans. I amnot sure how he is doig it now but aparently we will have several central outlets for the heat lamps to plug in. And detachable heat lamp bases.
He has it all planned out so I stay out of their way until it is time for me to admire their work. The side barn is only 11' wide but is 60' long so needs several lights long the length. It is partially enclosed at the far end so is like a long dark cave even during the day.Having lights in the barn will be useful not only for lambing or taking care of animals, but if we have to do anything in the summer, it will be more comfortable to do it at night. My heroes are making it happen. (And while DH and I were at his audio appt. in Bonham, DS1 removed Moyboy.
Baymule
Herd Master
A full and busy day! I hope the ewe that had a dead lamb gets better and survives. Sorry about the dead one, sometimes you just wonder what the heck happened.
Lights! Lots of lights! Wow! The barn is big and awesome. Old, but strong and just needs a little TLC. Electricity and lights! Your HEROES are doing fantastic!
Lights! Lots of lights! Wow! The barn is big and awesome. Old, but strong and just needs a little TLC. Electricity and lights! Your HEROES are doing fantastic!
Hope your ewe's issues get resolved, and for the good.We did not get any snow although it was predicted for Saturday. Below freezing both day and night - coldest was 16 degrees - boiling water carried to barn. Up to 52 today. Shed out of heavy jackets while working.
Jugs are only 5 x 5. One ewe jumped over the short black garden fences this evening when putting out grain buckets. I cn raise them now that the lambs are lightly larger. Hopefully we will rearrange the jugs and make a large single pen with a creep for the ewes that allow them to go out and eat grass in the barn yard. I have fencing to put around the trailer to keep out the lambs. Too bad, because it would have protected them from those black buzzards, but the dogs will have to work. DS1 said we can move the jug panels into the large side of the barn an set them up. Lost a ewe today. Not sure why, she was fine last night when I fed. She was in a jug because she was lame. However it opened up a jug for P5 who had split twins. She is one of my Grade 5 girls.
One of my ewes that lambed with a dead lamb has been off. She had terrible feet and we trimmed them but she has spent a lot of time laying down. I am suspecting she had another lamb that didn;t pass. I fostered a lamb over to her and she has been feeding it but she is verybloated looking. Gave her a big dose of Penn on Tuesday along with vitamin B. Picked up a bottle of Oxytocin today from the vet and will give her a shot tomorrow to see if she can expel any dead stuff. Don't want to lose her, and don't want a bottle lamb. If the Oxy doesn't work, I will give her another whack of Penn and take her in to the vet for an ultrasound. DS1 got her up today and turned her out and she walked around a bit but acts like it is painful. Not like sore hooves though.
Today DS1 and DH worked on the electrical in the barn. View attachment 114551
They even gave me an outlet and a light switch! View attachment 114552
They decided that they need to put 2 more lights in since you need more light in the end of the barn.
DS1 is working on the heat lamps although now he has revamped his plans. I amnot sure how he is doig it now but aparently we will have several central outlets for the heat lamps to plug in. And detachable heat lamp bases.
Having lights in the barn will be useful not only for lambing or taking care of animals, but if we have to do anything in the summer, it will be more comfortable to do it at night. My heroes are making it happen. (And while DH and I were at his audio appt. in Bonham, DS1 removed Moyboy.
SageHill
Herd Master
Sorry about the ewe. It’s been a tough bunch of months for you.
The barn and jugs look great!
The barn and jugs look great!
Mini Horses
Herd Master
Being a CA gal, you may think no snow meant you missed something 
nope, you didn't. It's only good on postcards. 
I had a similar quick release, regular hose issue. And I did as you, bucket brigade! Geesh. When I went inside, grabbed a fitting to use if needed next day. Goaties had removed a cover on outside faucet, so that top section of pipe froze up and inside faucet had quick release on it. Ok now, things thawed.
What we do for these animals!!! Insanity. At least you had 2 heroes return to help.
nope, you didn't. It's only good on postcards. I had a similar quick release, regular hose issue. And I did as you, bucket brigade! Geesh. When I went inside, grabbed a fitting to use if needed next day. Goaties had removed a cover on outside faucet, so that top section of pipe froze up and inside faucet had quick release on it. Ok now, things thawed.
What we do for these animals!!! Insanity. At least you had 2 heroes return to help.
