Baymule
Herd Master
Oh Mary! I read this out loud to BJ until we both had tears rolling down our cheeks. I could barely get the words out, I was laughing so hard! 
Ridgetop - our place and how we muddle along
- Thread starter Ridgetop
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- #992
Ridgetop
Herd Master
Because DS1 does all the fence installation and building for us.
He won't let us do it ourselves because he doesn't want us to fall down the gullies. 
DH and I are not quite sure electric portable fencing would work on our steep ridge and gully though either. It's a big investment for something that might not work and can't be returned. On the other hand, if the field were nice and flat, with lovely soil and grass like in the installation videos, I would have already ordered and installed the fencing myself. DS1 stacks the hay, totes the feed sacks, flips the sheep for me. Once I was perfectly able to do it by myself but 30 years takes a toll on a person. DH and I have worn out our bodies building and renovating and small scale livestock raising on this steep ridgetop. Everything we use must be carried up and down. Since we rely on DS1 to help us, he has a say in certain things. If we hire laborers, then we just go ahead and take care of it. If it is on the steep part of the hills though DS1 still does the supervising. If I really insisted both DH and DS1 would let me do it. But if it fails
. . . . is it any wonder that nice flat Texas looks awfully good to us? In addition to Bay and BJ being there of course! 
However, I might just sneak down the hill and check out those metal fence posts and see how many of them are actually in unuseable condition. If we can use most of them then it would be worthwhile to hire laborers to replace the ruined posts and we could put up new woven wire to make a small pen. We don't have to go all the way to the bottom of the original pen. I can certainly still wire fencing to a post! LOL
- Thread starter
- #993
Ridgetop
Herd Master
So wonderful news on my ewes that I was preparing to flush! There is no need for that since they have all gained their weights back. From an average weight of 153.2 lbs. at 1-2 months into their lactations, they have rebounded after weaning to an average weight of 187 lbs. which is well within range for their ages. Their body condition scores are in the 3. To 35 range as well. Yay! Instead of having to wit to flush the ewe for 2 weeks, soon as I trim feet and worm, the lucky gentlemen will get a pedicure, wormed, and harnessed for a date with the ladies. Several of them were in season today. I wish I could have had them out with the ram before this but the weather conspired against me. My oldest ewes just turned 3 and both lambed twice in 10 months.
Anyway, it was so easy using the walk-in scale today. First DS1 opened the gate to the field and the ewes immediately ran down inti the barn. Shutting the barn gate, they proceeded to send a couple sheep at a time into the smaller pen with the scale. DS2 had the weekend off so he came down and helped us weigh. I was shoved into a corner with my clipboard as DS1 and DS2 ran the adult ewes and lambs through the scale. They used the scale gates to guide the sheep into going through the scale. So smooth. Once the field sheep were all weighed, we turned them out of the barn where they all milled around on the driveway while we weighed the lambs that had recovered from Angel. Then those lambs joined their moms on the driveway. Next DS1 went down the back hill and drove the ewes with smaller lambs into the barn. Ds2 went down to help him since the ewes were a bit spooked by the commotion in the barn. Next time, we will do them first, then let in the ones from the field. Again, they weighed them all. We decided to send the young ewe with her 3 month old lamb onto the large field too. Her lamb weighed 85 lbs. today! However, I just realized that I should have given him his 2nd CDT before turning him out. It is due next week so when we sort all the sheep through the sorting gate tomorrow, I will vaccinate him then. I don’t want to try to catch him on the field or in the big pen just for that.
Tomorrow I will try out my squeeze for the first time! DS1 said he doesn’t think I will be able to rotate it with 204 lb. #7088 in it though. We’ll see. There is room for me to sit in a chair as I trim hooves though. Luxury!
I’m going to get the breeding harness ready tonight and check for cold weather crayons. She Who is Nameless apparently got hold of one of the Matingmark harnesses and chewed up one strap. Luckily, I was able to repair by stitching a patch of webbing onto it. It should work just fine. I need another pen badly right now since I want to use 2 different rams this year. I need to figure out how I can divide up the flock. I might take a chance on putting one of the rams in with the moms with 2 month old lambs since they won’t be fertile yet. I can put one of the rams in the small field pen, by himself, but the Field of Celibacy which would normally be good pasture has been eaten to nothing by the boys and needs time to come back. Will give it some thought while trimming hooves tomorrow. I need to check my wormer and make sure I have enough to drench 5 ewes.
Anyway, it was so easy using the walk-in scale today. First DS1 opened the gate to the field and the ewes immediately ran down inti the barn. Shutting the barn gate, they proceeded to send a couple sheep at a time into the smaller pen with the scale. DS2 had the weekend off so he came down and helped us weigh. I was shoved into a corner with my clipboard as DS1 and DS2 ran the adult ewes and lambs through the scale. They used the scale gates to guide the sheep into going through the scale. So smooth. Once the field sheep were all weighed, we turned them out of the barn where they all milled around on the driveway while we weighed the lambs that had recovered from Angel. Then those lambs joined their moms on the driveway. Next DS1 went down the back hill and drove the ewes with smaller lambs into the barn. Ds2 went down to help him since the ewes were a bit spooked by the commotion in the barn. Next time, we will do them first, then let in the ones from the field. Again, they weighed them all. We decided to send the young ewe with her 3 month old lamb onto the large field too. Her lamb weighed 85 lbs. today! However, I just realized that I should have given him his 2nd CDT before turning him out. It is due next week so when we sort all the sheep through the sorting gate tomorrow, I will vaccinate him then. I don’t want to try to catch him on the field or in the big pen just for that.
Tomorrow I will try out my squeeze for the first time! DS1 said he doesn’t think I will be able to rotate it with 204 lb. #7088 in it though. We’ll see. There is room for me to sit in a chair as I trim hooves though. Luxury!
I’m going to get the breeding harness ready tonight and check for cold weather crayons. She Who is Nameless apparently got hold of one of the Matingmark harnesses and chewed up one strap. Luckily, I was able to repair by stitching a patch of webbing onto it. It should work just fine. I need another pen badly right now since I want to use 2 different rams this year. I need to figure out how I can divide up the flock. I might take a chance on putting one of the rams in with the moms with 2 month old lambs since they won’t be fertile yet. I can put one of the rams in the small field pen, by himself, but the Field of Celibacy which would normally be good pasture has been eaten to nothing by the boys and needs time to come back. Will give it some thought while trimming hooves tomorrow. I need to check my wormer and make sure I have enough to drench 5 ewes.
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Baymule
Herd Master
That is a nice scale! I like it!
thistlebloom
Herd Master
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Pretty slick setup. Don't you love having the right equipment to make a job go smoothly?
- Thread starter
- #996
Ridgetop
Herd Master
Today we trimmed hooves using the squeeze! 
The squeeze worked great. However, a design flaw in the chute system made itself known. DS1 used the corral sides of the two field pens as 30’ sides of the chute. This was a great idea since otherwise we would have to buy twelve 5’ chute sections – expensive. Also, since the chute leads through the sorting box it makes it easy to sort the sheep into either of the two pens on either side. I happily told DS1 that I could probably do all this by myself.
As I positioned myself next to the squeeze and prepared to open the drop gate for the first ewe it suddenly became apparent that I might have a problem. The operating handle to the bifold gate leading to the chute is not reachable from the squeeze pen. I would have to exit the squeeze pen – walk around the outside of the dog kennel and the sheep pen, enter the sheep pen from the gate next to the chute, walk over to the squeeze chute, and open the gate. Then I would have to push a sheep into that compartment, opening and closing the gate behind it. I would then have to retrace the path all the way around the large field pen, dog kennel, through the squeeze pen to the squeeze. Once there I would have to push/pull the sheep up the ramp into the squeeze and lock her in. Now in theory I should be able to open the bifold gate and let another sheep into the waiting area. However, I couldn’t reach the bifold gate handle!
The layout of the pens is below.
I tried to make this bigger but I only uploaded in this size. I guess you will have to use a magnifiying glass to decipher it. However, take it from me, it is a long way round.
Too much time would have been wasted in running back and forth between the pens. Before anyone wonders why I couldn’t simply climb through the corral pipe panels – it is because these are 7 bar panels designed for a rodeo roping arena. The horizontal bars are much closer together than normal corral panels. The solution to the problem - DH will buy another of the 10’ welded wire pipe panels with walk through gates. This is the same gate panel we installed in the barn doorway to close the barn off when needed. We will remove one of the 10’ corral panels in the chute pen and replace it with one of these gates. Now the squeeze operator will be able to step straight from the chute pen into the sheep pen to open and close the gates. Problem solved once the gate is purchased and installed.
DH was preparing to pull out some weeds that the sheep apparently do not eat. These weeds also produce tiny burrs that when dry attach to everything from dogs, to sheep, to human clothing. They are nasty things that must be detached from socks and shoes by hand. He kindly left his weed eradication to assist with the squeeze. Trying to tip over and return to upright a 200 lb. ewe isn’t easy. My sweet DH said he would do this for me. My Hero!
After a few slight problems – almost catching a ewe’s neck in the gate portion, which would have strangled her, we got into the rhythm. We did have to remind each other to replace the floor of the squeeze before pulling the sheep upright, but no sheep completely fell out of the squeeze so we feel it was a success. As each sheep was released from the squeeze it stayed happily in the squeeze pen eating the weeds at the fence.
This ewe is not dead, just making a play for sympathy!
For some reason the rest of my pix refuse to load so I will post this now and try to post the rest later.
The squeeze worked great. However, a design flaw in the chute system made itself known. DS1 used the corral sides of the two field pens as 30’ sides of the chute. This was a great idea since otherwise we would have to buy twelve 5’ chute sections – expensive. Also, since the chute leads through the sorting box it makes it easy to sort the sheep into either of the two pens on either side. I happily told DS1 that I could probably do all this by myself.As I positioned myself next to the squeeze and prepared to open the drop gate for the first ewe it suddenly became apparent that I might have a problem. The operating handle to the bifold gate leading to the chute is not reachable from the squeeze pen. I would have to exit the squeeze pen – walk around the outside of the dog kennel and the sheep pen, enter the sheep pen from the gate next to the chute, walk over to the squeeze chute, and open the gate. Then I would have to push a sheep into that compartment, opening and closing the gate behind it. I would then have to retrace the path all the way around the large field pen, dog kennel, through the squeeze pen to the squeeze. Once there I would have to push/pull the sheep up the ramp into the squeeze and lock her in. Now in theory I should be able to open the bifold gate and let another sheep into the waiting area. However, I couldn’t reach the bifold gate handle!
The layout of the pens is below.Too much time would have been wasted in running back and forth between the pens. Before anyone wonders why I couldn’t simply climb through the corral pipe panels – it is because these are 7 bar panels designed for a rodeo roping arena. The horizontal bars are much closer together than normal corral panels. The solution to the problem - DH will buy another of the 10’ welded wire pipe panels with walk through gates. This is the same gate panel we installed in the barn doorway to close the barn off when needed. We will remove one of the 10’ corral panels in the chute pen and replace it with one of these gates. Now the squeeze operator will be able to step straight from the chute pen into the sheep pen to open and close the gates. Problem solved once the gate is purchased and installed.
DH was preparing to pull out some weeds that the sheep apparently do not eat. These weeds also produce tiny burrs that when dry attach to everything from dogs, to sheep, to human clothing. They are nasty things that must be detached from socks and shoes by hand. He kindly left his weed eradication to assist with the squeeze. Trying to tip over and return to upright a 200 lb. ewe isn’t easy. My sweet DH said he would do this for me. My Hero!
After a few slight problems – almost catching a ewe’s neck in the gate portion, which would have strangled her, we got into the rhythm. We did have to remind each other to replace the floor of the squeeze before pulling the sheep upright, but no sheep completely fell out of the squeeze so we feel it was a success. As each sheep was released from the squeeze it stayed happily in the squeeze pen eating the weeds at the fence. This ewe is not dead, just making a play for sympathy! For some reason the rest of my pix refuse to load so I will post this now and try to post the rest later.
Baymule
Herd Master
You got a new toy! and what a nice new toy! Love the ewe trying to elicit sympathy, did it work?
- Thread starter
- #998
Ridgetop
Herd Master
Another design flaw was discovered in the squeeze or perhaps should be more correctly attributed to operator error. Instead of laying quietly after being pushed up a ramp, squished, and flipped over, apparently sheep on their sides are not happy and struggle. I had done over half the sheep and was working on the extra long hooves of a large ewe. As a couple of the sheep in the squeeze pen blundered past, upsetting my chair which held the wormer and drench gun, I straightened up momentarily distracted. With a supreme effort the large ewe kicked out with both rear legs catching me dead center on the hip and sending me flying over 4’!
Me on the ground. Taking a nap between sheep? No! 
Had to lay there for a moment to assess my condition. Family too busy laughing at funniest home video material to come to my aid. DH did ask if I was ok. I decided that all body parts were intact and he helped me up. We finished the sheep. Bruises tonight! LOL There had been a broken sapling sticking out of the spot where my feet ended up. DS1 removed it when he set up the squeeze. Otherwise I might have been eviscerated on the sharp, broken branch sticking out of it when I was sent flying! I didn't fall on the sharp hoof shears either so I got off easy.
Two of the ewes had feet like this. 
The others were all pretty good and didn't need much cutting. Picture on right is trimmed hooves. I didn't lose my knack. I would say it was just like riding a bicycle, but I was thrown off one of those too! 
We trimmed hooves on 10 sheep and drenched them all. It took a minimal amount of time. We had gotten into a routine DS1 was scrubbing water barrels and would move 3 sheep into the gated sections of the chute. One in the squeeze, one on the ramp, and one in the small holding area in front of the drop gate. All the other sheep were in the chute. After we had moved all 3 through, DS1 would have another 3 ready to go. I was not able to sit down to trim, but I was able to stand without bending upside down to trim. Some expert sheepmen can trim hooves by flipping a sheep onto its butt and then trimming its hooves. Even in my prime I would not have wanted to try that. I need both hands to hold the hoof and use the trimmer. Kudos to them but I love my squeeze and tilt table!
After finishing the hooves, we let the sheep out on the hill and they immediately began grazing. I love seeing white sheep on bright green pastures. Unfortunately they were grazing on the far side of the property instead of the 200 feet next to the barn and house where we need them to eat.
DH tried to get them to move closer. 
This quarantine needs to stop soon!!! Instead of liquor stores being considered necessary, what about hair and nail salons! Those services are more important than liquor and lottery tickets which can be bought at the grocery store anyway. I have very few vices, I don’t drink, smoke, or go out much BUT I really need to get my hair cut and my nails done. I have acrylics on my nails and after a month they were turning into talons! Think of the foot long nails of the old emperors of China! I finally decided that I had to cut the ends off and file them down. Acrylics are very hard though, which keeps them from breaking off with everything I do, so I got out my Dremel tool. Drastic times call for drastic measures. I managed to shorten them, but a lot of the acrylic cracked off and now I have a bunch of lumpy nails! At least with this quarantine no one can see them. They were getting so long that they were in the way, made clicking noises when I put my fingers together, were uncomfortable, and I couldn’t pick anything up! And I was making a lot of typing mistakes! LOL I may have a go at my hair next. DH’s hair is getting so long that I may have to use our Granddaughter’s hair bands to keep it out of his eyes! So far, he has resisted all my offers to cut it for him. I don’t know why he is worried about that. I used to cut our boys’ hair until they were in college. I don’t think I still have the hair clippers but the goat clippers will do just fine. Drastic times . . . .
Me on the ground. Taking a nap between sheep? No! Had to lay there for a moment to assess my condition. Family too busy laughing at funniest home video material to come to my aid. DH did ask if I was ok. I decided that all body parts were intact and he helped me up. We finished the sheep. Bruises tonight! LOL There had been a broken sapling sticking out of the spot where my feet ended up. DS1 removed it when he set up the squeeze. Otherwise I might have been eviscerated on the sharp, broken branch sticking out of it when I was sent flying! I didn't fall on the sharp hoof shears either so I got off easy. Two of the ewes had feet like this. The others were all pretty good and didn't need much cutting. Picture on right is trimmed hooves. I didn't lose my knack. I would say it was just like riding a bicycle, but I was thrown off one of those too! We trimmed hooves on 10 sheep and drenched them all. It took a minimal amount of time. We had gotten into a routine DS1 was scrubbing water barrels and would move 3 sheep into the gated sections of the chute. One in the squeeze, one on the ramp, and one in the small holding area in front of the drop gate. All the other sheep were in the chute. After we had moved all 3 through, DS1 would have another 3 ready to go. I was not able to sit down to trim, but I was able to stand without bending upside down to trim. Some expert sheepmen can trim hooves by flipping a sheep onto its butt and then trimming its hooves. Even in my prime I would not have wanted to try that. I need both hands to hold the hoof and use the trimmer. Kudos to them but I love my squeeze and tilt table!
After finishing the hooves, we let the sheep out on the hill and they immediately began grazing. I love seeing white sheep on bright green pastures. Unfortunately they were grazing on the far side of the property instead of the 200 feet next to the barn and house where we need them to eat.
DH tried to get them to move closer. This quarantine needs to stop soon!!! Instead of liquor stores being considered necessary, what about hair and nail salons! Those services are more important than liquor and lottery tickets which can be bought at the grocery store anyway. I have very few vices, I don’t drink, smoke, or go out much BUT I really need to get my hair cut and my nails done. I have acrylics on my nails and after a month they were turning into talons! Think of the foot long nails of the old emperors of China! I finally decided that I had to cut the ends off and file them down. Acrylics are very hard though, which keeps them from breaking off with everything I do, so I got out my Dremel tool. Drastic times call for drastic measures. I managed to shorten them, but a lot of the acrylic cracked off and now I have a bunch of lumpy nails! At least with this quarantine no one can see them. They were getting so long that they were in the way, made clicking noises when I put my fingers together, were uncomfortable, and I couldn’t pick anything up! And I was making a lot of typing mistakes! LOL I may have a go at my hair next. DH’s hair is getting so long that I may have to use our Granddaughter’s hair bands to keep it out of his eyes! So far, he has resisted all my offers to cut it for him. I don’t know why he is worried about that. I used to cut our boys’ hair until they were in college. I don’t think I still have the hair clippers but the goat clippers will do just fine. Drastic times . . . .
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Mike CHS
Herd Master
We had all of those same issues when we used our tilt table that we wound up selling. I ;ike our chairs and the sheep like it also.
thistlebloom
Herd Master
- Joined
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I'm glad you weren't hurt when that ewe kicked you!
