February 2010
Lambing Blogs: April 08* April 08 Part 2* May 08
June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08
January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 December 09
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1st February Feeding hoggs
Yesterday I dosed the smaller of the feeding hoggs for fluke and worms. They are coming on but the snow has held them back a bit. I will do the remainder of them with a different wormer with a shorter withdrawal as this one means they cannot be slaughter for human consumption for 56 days. I also gave them a dose of vitamins which I hope will help them take a jump!
3rd February In lamb ewes
Today we dosed all the inlamb ewes for fluke and worms and they also got some vitamins included.
Happy ewes.
"Whatcha got for us boss??"
Ewes in the pen.
Ready to go.
Halfway there.
Peace at last.
5th February In lamb ewes again
Ever hopeful the in lamb ewes greet the landrover. They are holding condition well and I will start feeding them concentrates in addition to their hay and blocks next week.
6th February Cloudy day
Since life has settled down somewhat I've had time to get training Cloud who is 16 months old.
It was a bit cloudy for good photos of a Cloud but she is shaping up ok.
Left hand outrun. Cloud is a fairly natural outrunner, with a little training she is taking the correct path to the back of her sheep. She is going well both ways, holding sheep to me, lifting them off the fence and calling off well. I will soon introduce a stop command and take her onto different types of sheep.
14th February Cloud again
Just when I thought I was busy I got twice as busy as before! No time to update blog, but I have put some new photos on Cloud's page.
17th February Belly clipping
First job was belly clipping all of the feeding hoggs. The shearer and I did 91 spread over three sites (which means setting up and packing up the pens and other equipment each time!).
22nd February Hoggs to abattoir
Today I delivered 10 hoggs to the abattoir. They weighed between 35kgs and 42kgs. I also put a wether in who weighed a whopping 75kgs, so we will have plenty of Mutton coming soon.
Today we moved some sheep around. Our trailer
brakes have gone so I had to use a much smaller borrowed trailer which meant
two trips.
Up the track.
Ffi holds the sheep while I open the gate.
Wondering about the bridge.
Ffi pursuades them they must cross the bridge.
Safely delivered. These are shearling wethers, castrated 2 year old sheep. They are perfect for furthering Cloud's education, and if I ever get time and the snow stays away, I'll hope to start training her on these.
I am feeding my in lamb ewes now and they are eating just over a pound a head of beet pulp. I will change them onto a higher protein ewe roll closer to lambing time.
A rare occasion when we can sneak up on them. The wind must have been in the wrong direction and they didn't hear the landrover arrive!
By the time I've turned the ignition off there are 100 hungry girls shouting at me.
Mist holds them at bay while I get the first bag out.
Happier.
Home bred Cheviot x Shetland ewe, she is in lamb to the texel.
3 Grey Katmoget Shetland gimmers. They are carrying pure Shetland lambs (their first).