We only have three acres, so we are using cattle panels as our primary fencing. We are in a suburban setting, so have a lot of neighbor dogs as well as coyotes that the sheep need protection from. However regular field fencing with electric on the outside to keep out the carnivores also works...
I prefer the Katahdins for the same reason. I have disabling arthritis. I could not have a breed of sheep that required shearing. Sheep are also MUCH easier to fence in than goats. They rarely climb on anything and just don't challenge the fences like a goat does. In addition they smell...
Thought you also might enjoy a couple of pictures of my Katahdin herd. I only have two ewes and their lambs at this point, but I may expand to a third ewe for next season.
Here is last years lamb crop all boys. The little black was sold as a ram prospect when he was weaned at about 4...
As Bee said they have no fleeces, because they shed like a big old dog. The only thing you can really use their wool for is felting and of course for compost. :) The Katahdins are mainly used for meat, but they can also be used as a dairy animal. Sheep milk is primarily used for cheeses...
I have my two invaluable dogs.
MannDogg is my critter getter.
He is a boxer mix. He chases the coyotes, raccoons and other critters and is guard dog in general. He can jump a 6 foot fence flat footed and runs like a greyhound. Totally trusted around both chickens and sheep.
My other...
Obviously I have a LOT of catching up to do around this journal! I've missed you Tortoise!
I LOVE my Dark Cornish hens. They are everything I want in a homestead bird with a bit of sass rolled in. I currently have about 8 each of Buff Cornish pullets and Red Laced Cornish. I will let you...
Sniff. Sniff.
If I am an expert at any subject it would probably be horses. I trained, showed and gave lessons for many years until my health issues stopped me. I have EXPERIENCE at most other (and it is a wide range) homesteading subjects since I have been doing this now for almost 50...
So ... what you all been up to lately? I started up a forum of my own, which is a big part of why I haven't been back here. Too busy. Still. Thought I would drop in and give you all a big hug for old time sake. :hugs
One of my dear Christian homesteading friends is in desperate need. Old Fashioned joined this forum in 2009, so she has been a member of this community for a LONG time although she has not been too active recently. She has recently recovered from cancer and still has multiple physical problems...
Just an update. Sage is still hanging in there. We are about half way there as far as fund raising is concerned. As he gets older he has only gotten better and added more and more tasks to his skill set. The thing that has been most helpful lately has been Opening the Coop. In the mornings...
I consider that good advice. We have already used those supplements on several occasions with other dogs and for that matter my sister is using them as well.
So far Sage is not showing any arthritis pain, but more to the point in his case the supplement really won't be of much help. He is...
Thanks so much for the offer! I will email you with some pics and more info.
I have a page for Sage on my website. http://www.ubuilderplans.com/node/74
I try to keep it updated as often as possible.
The MU vet school near us has quoted me a price of "around" $3,800 for the surgery...
A method of providing a cool spot for rabbits is by building a ground accessible pen and letting them dig their own burrows.
One plan involves digging out an area and laying down a welded wire bottom. Then the sides of the pen are attached securely to the bottom and the pen is back filled...