[Jacob-list] noisy sheep/overcaring

[Betty Berlenbach]

I have never flushed, and until last year, when an old, undernourished ewe 
lost two lambs, I hadn't lost a lamb in 9 years...plus I have mostly twins. 
I don't think flushing is necessary.  My rams are away from the ewes, and I 
bring the ewes back to where they are on Nov. 1, put them in breeding groups 
immediately, take the rams out Nov. 18.  I've missed maybe 3 ewes settling 
in 12 years.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Victoria da Roza" <castlerockjacobs at yahoo.com>
To: <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 11:23 AM
Subject: [Jacob-list] noisy sheep/overcaring



> The quiet part of sheep might be for other breeds but

> not for Jacobs.  Some Jacobs are noiser than others

> but mine have always had a lot to say ;-).  My sheep

> are on a lower level than the house and I cannot open

> a sliding door in the house or talk to someone on the

> deck without all my sheep starting a chorus and they

> even make noise with their mouths full!

>   AWhile ago they noticed that when the horse gets

> hitched, she gets a handful of Nickermakers and the

> sheep decided to scream till they got their

> share...they are smart little things.

>   I have had years of mostly ram lambs too so it is a

> roll of the dice.  I always hold my breath till I turn

> them over, hoping for ewes ;-).

>   Beware of buying at auction as many breeders take

> the ones they won't breed for their own name to

> auction.  I feel it is better to pay more for animals

> you have followed for years in someone elses's flock

> and whose lambs you like...to get a lamb from them

> than to have  a larger flock sooner but not of the

> quality you want your name on.

>   I do not think you can take too good a care of the

> sheep unless they are over conditioned.  To get good

> lambs though you need to flush with great food a month

> before putting in with the ram and then about 2 months

> before they lamb.  I do both with grain and alphalfa

> hay and then they have the protein for the good bone

> and horns.  This coming year you will be in control of

> all these factors and the sheep will not be under such

> stress of moving and I'll bet you are happier with

> your lamb crop. Just consider this year as a practice

> year....next year your lambs will be a reflection of

> your shepherding.Victoria

>

> Victoria

> Castle Rock Farm

> Jacob Sheep & Nigerian Dwarf Goats

> www.castlerockfarm.net

>

>

>

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