norseofcourse's journal - spring and show update

[norseofcourse]

Today was one of the hardest days of the year here. I took 6 of the lambs to the processor. For some reason it was harder than it was last year - I think I got more attached than I should have. It didn't help that some of the lambs were so so cute, and one liked being petted. I am so glad this only happens once a year.

I am glad that my lamb seems to be well liked. Everyone who got a lamb last year wanted one again, and I added two new customers as well. I've gotten good feedback on the flavor and how lean they are.

I was able to finish the new feeder and put it into use on October 20th, and it was sure nice to have more feeder space!

I did a bit of spot-checking lamb eyelids, and I did seem some improvement after I dosed with the copper oxide wire particles. I never did have a chance to check and record everyone, though, so my data wasn't complete. I will likely do it again next year, and do more checking on how effective it is.

I ended up keeping Gracie's moorit and white ewe lamb. Next to Rose's single, I think she was the largest of the lambs. Rose's single looked to have a swayed back, which is not a trait I want to keep. Gracie's ewe lamb had a nice build, a lot like her mom's, and I felt she was a good choice to add to the flock.

 

[luvmypets]

Sorry you had a rough day, I would have trouble with that too. We got broilers two springs ago and we saved a 14lb rooster to send to freezer camp. His name is roaster and he is a spoiled fatty, who everyone loves. I might try broilers this coming spring.

you gotta post pictures of gracie's lamb. I love the icelandics

 

[NH homesteader]

We butchered a pig today... I know how you feel.

 

[Mike CHS]

This is one of those things that if it was easy for you, you wouldn't be who you are.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

We sent off a buck a few months back for meat. He was a nice, beautiful Kiko buck. Absolutely gorgeous and was very gentle. He was unregistered and there isn't much of a market for commercial Kiko bucks, so he was sold for meat. It was hard, as we had him for several years. I'm thankful he wasn't waisted and he fed someone's family, but it wasn't easy.

We lucked out this year, all our bottle baby weathers were sold as brush clearers/pets. It's hard to send a BB to freezer camp

 

[norseofcourse]

Thank you everyone... @Mike CHS I wish I could 'like' your post more than once, what a lovely thing to say.

I just got back from picking up the lambskins, so I can salt them and prepare them to send to the tannery. This is a hard day, too, so I just do what I have to and get through it.

I spoke to a couple of the butchers at the shop when I went this morning. They said the lambs were really nice. I said I know I still have a lot to learn, I've only been doing this three years. They said I'm doing better at three years than people who have been raising lambs for a long time. So as far as the quality of the meat I'm raising, I suppose I'm doing well. It still doesn't make delivery time any easier, but it's nice to know.

Elding went in with the ewes this morning, and Rose immediately stood for him. Five months till more lambs...

 

[Mike CHS]

What tannery do you use?

 

[Mike CHS]

I had a couple of new tires put on our stock trailer and all of the gates are up on our first paddock so we will bringing our sheep home in the next week or so. We are hoping on getting the next paddock finished soon. It is right at 250' square.

 

[Southern by choice]

 

[TAH]