Well, all the sheep are sheared, wool is posted on ebay.  Some of it is great and some of it is fantastic!  The best ones, I have put coats on for next season to keep them from fading in the sun and getting vm in there. 

One of the biggest surprises was Heidi.  She was a little ewe that I sold last year and her companion goat got killed by the neighbors dog and her owner feared for her life, so she sent her back to live here and I'm very happy.  She was a fading black when she left and is now a gorgeous grey. 

Based on this photo, you would never think her wool was worth anything.  No offense, Heidi.  Turns out, she was brushed and she got the "stuck her hoof in a light socket" look.  But, part the wool to the skin and you get:

She is a little looser in the crimp than I'd like but, that might improve with a little care this season.  So, a few days ago, she got her new haircut and looks great!

Well, I like how they look after shearing.  Maybe it's because it's such a huge accomplishment for me to do the work.  She wasn't about to give a look at me due to the green grass coming in and she's been in isolation for a month.  (she came back neg for OPP, CL, and Johnes) soon she'll be a sheep again.   I decided to put her in a blanket and she how she does.

Well, now I got a look.  A look of embarrassment.  LOL!!  But, her wool turned out looking like this

So, needless to say, I've got too many projects going so this, along with the other fleeces are for sale on ebay. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260984948299?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

AND THEY'RE OFF!!!!

LAMB RACES!!

It's finally that time of year!  All the lambs are done from the first round...10 moms, 21 lambs on the ground.  We lost a few along the way this year and that was sad.  The ones that are left are fantastic.  The wool on these babies is amazing with my two rams that I purchased out of Stillmeadow in N.Y. and Triple L in W.A.  It was $$ and hard to choose via internet but with their help, I am extremely pleased.  Our fecal was negative right in the middle of lambing and that was a big relief, so with the mild winter, lets hope we can keep that up.  By checking each ewe carefully and only treating for exactly what they carry, we have made huge strides in parasite control. 

The lambs were very big and healthy this year, avg weight was about 8 lbs with some 9 and 9.5 lb finns born in multiples....so pleased.  Now they are doubled in weight at 3 weeks old so, I'm looking forward to big lambs going home in middle April.   I have been trying so hard to select for size along with the other traits and it's starting to pay off. Mom's are incredibly milky this year and besides 1 or 2 bottles on the second and third days..we are using no supplements.  I did increase the corn/grain feeding during pregnancy and that helped I'm sure. 

I am choosing two ewe lambs to retain and will be looking to get a few outcross ewes for next season.  This also means, I have the hard decision of letting a few of my current ewes go. 

We will also be adding some more fence so we can rotate pastures with the horses this summer.  Paul is getting the acre by the house ready to plant corn as we are going to try and grow our own feed this year.  We will also be trying blankets all around for fleece quality.  I tested one and wish I had done more. 


It's going to be a wonderful summer....

Spring lambs out for the first time...just a few...

Parasite Control....

As I was watching the lambs play 'chase' and 'tag' and practice their Saturday Night Fever moves, I was listening to a message from my vet.  She had come out to check on the moms and do a fecal check.  Last Spring, like a lot of farms, we had a big parasite problem due to the wet conditions.  So, with help from her and a little extra prevention from us, we had a parasite free fecal check!  Woo hoo!!!  Anyone that has livestock knows how hard it is to gain control on those little pests.  Of course, you really can't be completely free, there were a small number of strongyls but, nothing to treat at this time....not a significant number. 

I am very excited as we worked very hard and diligently to keep the barn and pastures clean, rotate pastures/livestock, and control and treat only as needed.  So, this is definitely helping us and a supporting reason why the ewes look so good! 

I'm pretty sure we will have more lambs tonight as I keep a watchful eye on my ladies. 

We have a cow....

Yesterday evening, we had another set of triplets born to Betty.  They are cute but unfortunately one was stillborn so the remaining two are doing great.  So far all the lambs are healthy and big and we have had to keep ourselves away...which is hard for me!  I love to be right in there and helping but I know it's better for the babies.  Looks like more to come today as another couple mom's are off their feed.  I will keep posting as they arrive!  Check the lambs tab at the top for a total lamb count. 

Triplets!

This morning I went to check on the sheep before work at about 4am and found the lovely Kaarina and her up, dry, and nursing triplets.  Very cute little badger ram lambs and an adorable white ewe lamb.  Kaarina is now at a 266% lambing and all litters with no supplemental milk or help during lambing.  She is a wonderful ewe, thanks Tiffany for selling her to me. 





Lambing Kick-Off! Jan won the 2012 coin toss!

 Lambs!

Late Friday night, Jan lambed her two adorable babies.  We went to check on her and she was moving around the stall cooing for her lambs, but no lambs.  She had the water bag hanging pretty low but no baby.  So Paul caught her and I took a peak..sure enough, two feet and head.  Proper presentation, so we let her go and stepped out of the stall.  I'd rather not interfere unless absolutely necessary.  She continued walking around the stall calling to her lamb but not pushing or contracting.  She finally laid down and gave one big push...nothing.  A little bit of foot and then she was up again. 

We watched her do this for a while and then we decided to check again and see how big that baby was going to be.  I got my hand around it, barely, big baby.  With a couple contractions, she was able to expel this beautiful baby.  A ewe lamb, very dark brown and cute little blaze on her face.  She immediately began shaking and moving...a great sign.  Jan took right to her, cleaning and talking to, and then I figured I check for a second lamb...yup, another one, this one bigger.  So, I gathered up the feet and head and slowly worked him out.

Ewe lamb is dark brown 9 lbs 

ram lamb is lighter brown with white socks 9.5 lbs.