This crazy girl is getting sheep!

[tortoise]

Okay, this will be a stupid question, to keep them in the shade do I have to keep them locked up or will they stay in the shade by themselves?

They will not stay in the shade by themselves. One of mine got a severe sunburn last year because I forgot to put a tube on her.

I shear in March or April before my sheep go out to pasture. That way I beat the heat and the sun.

 

[Messybun]

The friend who has helped us with goat hooves before knows how to shear sheep and is willing to help! She uses dog clippers too lol.

When my extra large goat had hoof problems and I couldn’t even get the hoof shears to cut them she was really helpful. I know she’ll treat my animals well.

 

[baymule]

That’s great! Plus she can teach you how to shear your sheep!

 

[baymule]

Ewes? Wethers? Trio, 2 ewes and a ram?

 

[flowerbug]

Here are the pics from Facebook.

they look very English...

 

[Messybun]

they look very English...

Excuse my ignorance, but what does that mean in this context?

 

[Messybun]

Alright. I’m getting loose sheep minerals, cattle panels (the 50” ones are only $2.00 more than the 36” right now), and all stock feed. Am I missing anything?
I’ll get shears later, and I already have hoof trimmers for the goats.

I plan to switch them from all stock feed (what lady said is comparable to what they eat) to corn/possibly oats. Will that be alright, or will they need to stay on all stock while they finish growing?

 

[flowerbug]

This is direct from the farmer. He doesn’t always grow oats but neighbors have been asking him to. The fields are literally within walking distance, part of why they’re so affordable.

he may even give a further discount if you bring the bags back.

 

[tortoise]

Did my first hoof trim, managed to go too close and she bled a little bit. I felt so bad!
Right now it’s getting warm, so about time to shear. They were panting and stretched out yesterday, at only 65, worried me a bit! The wool is probably only the length of my fingers before it’s stretched out. I don’t know how usable that will be, because I’ve never worked with wool. But it has to come off. I’m going to check when shearers are coming around next. I’d love to learn how to do it myself, but I’m nervous. I’m also nervous of any diseases they could pick up at the farm with the shearers.
These sheep have got me all nervous.

That's a good length. They're ready! If it gets too long, it costs a fortune to have the wool made into yarn!

 

[Messybun]

I do! I do! I do! I want pictures!

A 3 sided shelter should be fine. Make sure you can close them up at night to keep safe from predators.

Sheep can eat corn.

Introduction sheep to goats…….

SHEEP! Meet the goats!

GOATS! Meet the Sheep!!

Ooh, didn’t think about closing them in at night. Good to know. Never had to do it with the goats. All my land is close to the house. I’ll see if I can make their shelter closable (if that’s a word.)