The sheep still need to eat. Above, Godiva and Zest don't even wait for me to take the hay out of the wheelbarrow.
My three, black, beauties: Bluff Country Destiny (left), Bluff Country Zodiak, and Bluff Country Bella Luna. I wonder what they look like under all that wool......?I've been worried about the pressure my main group of girls are putting on the front pasture. They're keeping it eaten right down to the ground. I'm still feeding hay and the grass is just beginning to grow but I want to give that pasture a break. And I'm NOT about to shut my ewes into a barn to rest the pasture.
So, I did what any self respecting farmer would do. I fenced in the ditch. Don't go getting all impressed and think that I'm "Super Shepherd" or something like that! I used "step-in-posts". Skinny little fiberglass posts that you just push down into the ground. Very easy. No strength required. (thank God!) I found that if I loaded up with medications and downed a mug of hot tea with lemon (thank all of you tea pushers!) I'm NOT a tea drinker. Not by any stretch of the imagination! But I've been so sick and so many people recommended it that I thought I'd give it a try. I will admit: although it tastes like *@#!, it does soothe my throat and even seems to help open up my nasal passages temporarily. If I loaded up with medicine and tea, I could get in a good hour or two of work before I needed to come into the house and take a nap. I've got to say, I'm not sure how the tea (or all of the other fluids I've been drinking are supposed to help because they just come right back out of my NOSE!!!
My unbred ewes were thrilled to be turned out onto fresh grass! It's not long yet. In fact, it really is just beginning to grow. We need rain! But is a lot better than what they were on. 
I only fenced in half of the ditch. I AM sick, you know! I also divided the front pasture into two to keep the girls completely off one side so it has a chance to get reestablished. The bred ewes and the rams both have big enough areas and low enough numbers that their pastures/paddocks are fine. The grass is coming in nicely, which allows them to get used to it a little at a time (no worry about bloat from a sudden change in diet). Everyone's got plenty of rumen buffer available so I feel pretty good about my flock.
Everything looks GREEN this morning!
Now I'm gonna go take a nap...
Sorry to hear you are STILL sick, Nancy. I hope you turn the corner soon. I worry about my little bit of pasture too. My ewes are in a "sacrifice" paddock up near the barn until the grass starts growing here. Our grass usually isn't ready for grazing until around May 1st. Being good to your pastures is very important.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to baby yourself a little!
ReplyDeleteYou will need your energy for lambing, lol!
What brand of step in fencing are you using? I might have to get some of that...
I don't even use sheep fencing! I just buy thin white electric "rope" fencing at Farm & Fleet. It's not really like rope ~ more like string.
ReplyDeleteTime for another nap...
Geez, Nancy, I hope you get well SOON!
ReplyDeleteI know what it's like to have to force yourself out to do chores when you're sick, but like you said it has to be done.
I also think being around your animals helps you recover faster! (at least it takes your mind off being sick for a minute or two when you're admiring your beautiful flock!).
My pastures sound the same as your front pasture. The grass seems to be taking forever to start growing. I've been rotating them a bit too soon because it's all pretty short. C'mon grass!!
I gotta see what kind of fencing you are using that is so easy. Is it goat proof? I'm going to look it up. It sure would make our lives easier.
ReplyDeleteYou can buy White Flower on ebay. It's amazing (and cheep) for clearing up nasal passages and helps relieve sinus pressure. I use it all the time because I have a deviated something or other and have trouble breathing out of one side of my nose.
Your sheep look so happy! Take extra good care of yourself!
Nancy, I am sorry to hear you are still sick! But you are right, the sheep still need the shepherd. I fenced in a ditch last summer; I was able to put the whole flock, including llamas in three separate times because the grass grows faster in our ditch. We use Premier electronet, which is great for both the sheep and llamas. I think it would work for goats also. I have 3 different heights and they all work well. The 34" is very lightweight and easy to move. I use a few extra step in posts for support on that fencing.
ReplyDeleteNancy - I'm sorry to hear you're still feeling rough. Try some honey in that tea - and then a spoonful of honey by itself is also good. I know what you mean about getting chores done - the animals don't care if you are sick. Is there anyone nearby that you can call to help out?
ReplyDeleteTry to get lots of rest - and lots of fluids.
Wish I was closer and could come and help you out. Hugs.
I am impressed with how much you get done - and you're still germ-ridden! Take care!
ReplyDeleteGood work sick mom! You've got to be nearing the end of it; but in case you didn't see my facebook advice to you, I think its about time to make a lemon meringue pie; you can drink tea with it ;)
ReplyDeletekeep resting as much as you can.
ReplyDeleteThye animals look like they are doing fine.
What is rumen buffer?
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you are still sick! I so wish our grass would start turning green and grow, my sheep have been on hay for so very long.
ReplyDeleteHappy lambing!!