New from South Dakota

[Latestarter]

GREAT! You figured out how to upload pics Great lookin' kids and the lambs sure are pretty too! Sounds to me like you've got quite the menagerie going there! You had asked about what to breed the sheep with/to... That's a tough question really. Most animals that go to auction are culls that the owners don't/didn't want in their herd(s). So really, you need first to determine what you have and what you intend to use them for... pets, meat, lamb sales, etc. Then you need to choose a ram that will improve those aspects that are lacking. Since the number of variables you'll have to start with (multiple different mixed breeds), it could be tough to figure out.

What I would recommend it to pick the breed (or mix) that you want most and then buy the best ram you can that meets your goals. He's the most important as he will be the baby daddy for your future lambs/herd. Then you can slowly go about up-grading/replacing the ewes that you have now with new blood or lambs from breeding until you develop the herd you want. Ought to be a fun journey to follow

 

[Baymule]

I am new to sheep, got mine last fall. They were 4 bred ewes and had 5 lambs in January. They are cross breds, Dorper x Katahdin, and I am just fine with that. I got a nice Dorper ram a month ago. Since I have little experience with sheep, I didn't want to buy expensive sheep, then kill them with ignorance. So far, so good. I eventually want registered Dorpers.

After you get your feet on the ground, have a few lambings under your belt, then look around for better stock. In the meantime, have lots of fun and enjoy yourself!

 

[Mini Horses]

Welcome from VA. Chickens, milk goats, guinea hogs (for meat) & old retired mini show horses here.

Animals find their way to our door

Hmmmm.....that seems to be a common problem with many of us, especially if a spouse questions numbers.

 

[Coffeybean]

Welcome from VA. Chickens, milk goats, guinea hogs (for meat) & old retired mini show horses here.

Hmmmm.....that seems to be a common problem with many of us, especially if a spouse questions numbers.

Yeah sometimes I neglect to mention the part via my trailer

 

[Alexz7272]

I can totally relate to the life change. I went from more people than one could count to more cows than people. The smells were totally different too. I am loving it and wouldn't trade it for nothing.
Well maybe somethings... yesterday I castrated pigs for the first time. I think I cried more than the pigs. But if I want bacon this is part of the life. Pigs showed up a few days ago. Still working on finishing the pen.
How about you? What type of animals do you raise. How do you get along in the winter?

Oh yeah, smells are very different! We have alpacas, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, quail, turkeys, pheasants, doves, chickens and rabbits. Plus 3 dogs. Winters can be rough here in Colorado, especially since we are up north and in the plains. I dont know how I make it some days since I also work part time. Lots of early morning, late evening, dark days and frozen limbs? Haha!
What kind of pigs did you get? Feel free to post some pictures

 

[MrsKuhn]

could that picture be any cuter!!?!

 

[Coffeybean]

Alaxz7272 I think they are Hampshire pigs. They are pink and the ears stand up. I castrated them myself a week ago and I hated it. I hope I have all girl piglets from now on.
Do you creep your alpaca? I am thinking of building a creep pen and read people make the gate slats 10-14 inches wide and no more than 30 inches high. Do you think these dimensions would work? I have a creep gate/pen I bought from sydell I use for the goats but it is pricey to buy another right now.

MrsKuhn thanks about the picture. I am partial to them too

I just picked up my billies today for breeding this year

 

[babsbag]

Love, love, love, those spots.

 

[MrsKuhn]

I am loving those spots!

 

[Ferguson K]

Gorgeous!