Post by katie k on Mar 23, 2023 20:28:02 GMT -5
I got a round bale of hay from a fellow in town, who gave my daughters and I a grand tour of his farm, including a flock of Jacob sheep, including new lambs. At home the conversation took a turn that you can probably guess. Being a large family, there are a lot of things we just can't offer, like constant private music lessons, fancy vacations, etc, but I always try to say "yes" to kid's animal interests. So selfless of me, don't you think? I do love the learning opportunities that arise, as well as the critters themselves. The girls came home and immediately asked for a trip to the library to "research".
I have very little sheep experience (used to have dairy goats). The girls would like to each get a ewe lamb to breed. They would be housed/graze with the steer calf. I know I would need to provide a "sheep only" space, as we did when we had goat kids with the cows. My main concern is what diseases I should be aware of., esp ones that could transfer to cows. Johnnes comes to mind, but that's all I know of. CL? His flock looked wonderful, and several of his ewes were 11-13 years old and still lambing. He said he used to participate in a scrapies testing program and always came up clear so eventually quit. We are planning to look at a Shetland flock also in town for comparison. He has a good reputation around town. I must admit I have always found sheep to be obnoxious and loud. This flock was quiet, curious, and friendly, which I took to be a good sign.
For funnies, I will say that when my 18 y/o overheard the conversation, including my positive response, he exclaimed "When did you become so cool?! When I was little, you never just said 'Yes' to what I wanted!" To which my 14 y/o son replied "That's because what you wanted were ballistics."
I have very little sheep experience (used to have dairy goats). The girls would like to each get a ewe lamb to breed. They would be housed/graze with the steer calf. I know I would need to provide a "sheep only" space, as we did when we had goat kids with the cows. My main concern is what diseases I should be aware of., esp ones that could transfer to cows. Johnnes comes to mind, but that's all I know of. CL? His flock looked wonderful, and several of his ewes were 11-13 years old and still lambing. He said he used to participate in a scrapies testing program and always came up clear so eventually quit. We are planning to look at a Shetland flock also in town for comparison. He has a good reputation around town. I must admit I have always found sheep to be obnoxious and loud. This flock was quiet, curious, and friendly, which I took to be a good sign.
For funnies, I will say that when my 18 y/o overheard the conversation, including my positive response, he exclaimed "When did you become so cool?! When I was little, you never just said 'Yes' to what I wanted!" To which my 14 y/o son replied "That's because what you wanted were ballistics."