NH Homesteader's journal

[frustratedearthmother]

Oh good - you're keeping Patty! Have you talked to the GG breeders? Maybe they'd buy them back - but they are quite a distance away so maybe not?

I am sure I will have dairy goats again, but it's not their time!

Yep - timing is everything!

 

[NH Homesteader]

I am keeping Patty. She's a doll. And very hardy! She'll stay for life. I just found out the GG breeders are majorly reducing their herd. So no, they won't. Must figure out plan of action on them. Sigh.

 

[baymule]

I think you are making a wise decision. You have to do what is best for you and your family. I often wondered how you were juggling all that, especially with a new baby. Even keeping out grand daughters was a 2 person job when the youngest couldn't walk, as far as feeding and caring for animals. Now that she can walk, she goes with me and loves it.

What breeds of sheep are you considering?

http://www.americanlamb.com/consumer/

 

[NH Homesteader]

Farm chores are fine when I'm alone, until I add in milking or sick animals. The rest is alright. I think we might try for another baby (as if we can make up our minds lol), which I would like to do soon-ish because of my age, so goats are out. Sorry goats, humans first lol!

DD wants Shetlands, we'll get a couple of those first. I want Icelandics (they're my triple purpose sheep! But rough wool, outerwear quality, or for weaving or felting). I'd like to eventually get 2 ewes of each breed and a Shetland ram. I considered a finer wooled breed but their meat is more gamey and they're less parasite resistant. The two breeds we want are tough as nails, hardy, parasite resistant, and live for the snow. They also have milder meat that can be eaten up to 2 years of age as lamb quality. I know there's not a lot of meat on a Shetland, they're more fiber pets that DD can handle. She'll likely do 4H with them when she's old enough. But for now, I just want to get 2 little ewes as fiber pets and hold off on breeding for a couple years. Unless I feel like Superwoman! Lol!!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Had to look 'em up cuz I don't know nuttin' bout no sheep, lol. But, Shetlands are CUTE! Not too big - not too small and come in colors. What's not to love?

 

[baymule]

Shetlands are cute and I hear they produce soft wool. The icelandics sound like nice sheep too. Since I lean towards hair sheep, I really don't know much about wool sheep. I have been tempted to get a few wool sheep, but then I would have to get a spinning wheel, learn to knit and crochet because I would HAVE to learn what to do with the wool!

 

[NH Homesteader]

Yes we saw some Shetlands at the 4H fair and they were so soft. And sweet! They love cold weather, and many people have them here. DD loves her fiber classes. I guess I'd better learn how to spin and all that too!

 

[NH Homesteader]

Oh my gosh folks, sheep are delicious! Just made mutton burgers with feta, rosemary and garlic with a tomato slice on top (from our garden!) soooo good! Got some lamb to try tomorrow, but we are definitely going for sheep. Yum. I like it better than beef.

It's so hot, was 90 and humid today and I hate it. Supposed to cool down in a few days. 60's by Sunday. Awesome!

 

[baymule]

Make a shepherd's pie. yum! I like lamb burger much better than beef hamburger.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Dang - you were hotter than we were! We only made it to the lower -mid 80's today cuz we've had rain and overcast skies for so long now...

Your burgers sound delish! Nice that you enjoy it - especially if you're gonna raise it, lol!