Bruce's Journal

[CntryBoy777]

Since I don't like getting twice, I will. It is just in my nature to help others in a difficult situation, and was thinking of a bark that would be less loud and of a lower tone so it wasn't booming and disturbing to your wife. However, I wasn't really thinking about all barking. So, I thank you for being understanding. Though one big deterrant that ya can do is to carry a good vermin gun with ya and eliminate some, tho ya want to stay legal, and I certainly don't know Vt law on such.

 

[Latestarter]

I am going to create a poll regarding seeing light reflected off animal's eyes. Not quite sure where to put it though. Perhaps a mod like @Latestarter can make a suggestion.

I would personally recommend: https://www.backyardherds.com/forums/predators-and-pests.69/

 

[Bruce]

Merlin has been returned to @purplequeenvt and in better shape than when I got him only because we got all the burrs of the front half of him, don't look at his tail!

The 'lemonade' here (because we must find some) for PQV is that since he was placed with us even though it turned out to be only temporary and no fault on his part at all, any future potential owner has 2 sources of info about his character and ability to be a LGD. His time with us is chronicled in this thread so my impressions are all here in black and white.

 

[Bruce]

Since I don't like getting twice, I will. It is just in my nature to help others in a difficult situation, and was thinking of a bark that would be less loud and of a lower tone so it wasn't booming and disturbing to your wife. However, I wasn't really thinking about all barking. So, I thank you for being understanding. Though one big deterrant that ya can do is to carry a good vermin gun with ya and eliminate some, tho ya want to stay legal, and I certainly don't know Vt law on such.

Thanks for being understanding about being slapped I knew you would take it in the way I intended.

OK, here is another "Yeah but ..."
DD1 is what I term an emotional vegetarian. Not only can we not raise any animals for us or anyone else to eat, she has a problem with lethal removal of predators and pests even if they have killed one or more of our chickens. A vermin gun would likely make a WEE bit of noise don't you think?? Given her 24x7x365 migraine and resulting inability to have gainful employment, we can't say "if you don't like it, move".

 

[Goat Whisperer]

What about "get over it?"
Not the migraine, the thought of shooting a predator? Not saying that to be snarky- but can that really manipulate your life?
Of course I don't know the full story so it isn't my place to say you can me too…

Hope it all went smooth with the transition of Merlin. Darn shame you couldn't keep him Had to have been hard to give him up

@CntryBoy777 I agree with @Bruce
No need to apologize


@farmerjan you NEED to post some pics of those sheep So cool!

 

[CntryBoy777]

Oh!...and nor would I wish for ya to do that. I wasn't aware of the situation with predators. I knew the others from your posts. Well, that sure hampers ya a bit for sure. I'll keep my other suggestions to myself, then....I hate putting my foot in my mouth...and certainly getting .

 

[Bruce]

@CntryBoy777 you are in with 99% of the people who have an opinion on how to deal with predators. SSS my friend but in this case it is SSSS. The first S is "Silently" and therein lies the problem.

I forgot to mention that Merlin didn't go back quite as he was received (beyond the burrs). I couldn't find Eau de toilette - sheep scent ANYWHERE so he just smelled like dog.

@Goat Whisperer - yes, since she doesn't really have any options and has been living with this migraine for 9.5 years. She will be 24 in March. @purplequeenvt will tell you that she appears perfectly "normal". That is the problem with invisible diseases like migraine. She has learned to live with a constant pain level well above what most would tolerate. Presenting a "normal face" one day often results in the next day being bedridden. She also gets episodic migraines on top of the permanent one. Only recently have the Drs found medication to reduce the frequency of the episodic ones, nothing has helped the permanent one.

 

[CntryBoy777]

If she likes or can eat almonds, get some whole natural almonds...not roasted or salted....if nothing else has worked ya might as well try....Have eat a handful 3 times a day. There are natural enzymes in them that work in the brain, and is a natural remedy for severe headaches....it has worked for others in my brother's family.
If it is "Silent" that ya are looking for, then I would get a 22cal Air Rifle...if she is in the house and gun is in barn, she sure won't here the shot. They are just like a 22cal rifle, but just doesn't travel as far.

 

[greybeard]

Air rifle technology and their terminal ballistics have improved dramatically in the last few decades.
I would recommend something a bit bigger than .22 tho--especially if the varmint is bobcat or song dog.
.308 in a pcp rifle should be fine, and almost as silent as a .22 spring gun.

 

[CntryBoy777]

@greybeard that's a really nice one...for sure...but Big difference in price.... hit the right spot and anything will go down...they used an air 22 at the slaughter house to drop cows and pigs.