but the one who unlocked and moved 3 or 4 cows to get to the food was genius!!!
if you're looking for those giant spools watch for somewhere where they're doing like commercial electrical work and ask the contractor. Sometimes if they don't want them they will give them to you.
While sheep might be less troublesome and less "in your face" (more timid, generally), I don't think they are less smart than goats, though I am sure some would disagree. They are very observant and will watch you for cues as to what to do. Some have an affectionate and friendly nature, will come when called. But some are timid and shy. I have had them help me pen a new mother ewe who initially rejected one of her lambs. They have excellent facial recognition skills and won't forget a face. Their first instinct when approached with something new is to run away, but they soon get curious and will eventually come to investigate. I had a ewe that prolapsed before her 1st delivery and had to take her to the vet and have her sutured. The vet assured me that she would "do this again". I did have to keep her in a harness starting a week after delivery, as after the swelling went down she started to prolapse again. The next year, I watched her closely and kept a line on her so I could put her in a harness if she started to prolapse prior to delivery again. I kept thinking she might, but she had learned to keep her bladder empty and did not prolapse before or after her delivery of twins this year and I did not have to use a harness. I have a dog, because I thought I needed one to herd the sheep. The sheep learned what to do just as fast as the dog did. I only use the herd dog when I have to deal with a ram now. I think they are as smart as most horses I have had, and some of them have been quite smart. I really believe that some genetically have a temperament that is more affectionate and more motivated to please. But that really isn't what most people are looking for in a sheep. Although I kind of value it.
