Spending An Afternoon With The Sheep
Our Small Flock
I spent this afternoon hanging out with the sheep and getting their fences moved. My intention when we got them was to keep them rotating on pasture. That would alleviate the need for feeding grain or hay. However, we've had a couple of cold snaps here recently, and we have a few expectant mothers; so, we made the decision to corral them by the barn so they could have some shelter. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to give them access to fresh grass, and with it being as wet as it has, they are kind of making a mess of their area.
High Traffic Areas
All of that mud and muck is not good for their hooves, so I will have to get out there and get the ground covered with some hay or something. However, that will have to be tomorrow. Today's task was to move the electric netting around to give them a bit of fresh pasture.
Chewed Down To The Crown
This is what the grass looks like where they're at right now. They've been on this spot for several weeks, so we've been feeding them grain and hay. The entire immediate area around the barn looks like this, with the only thing left standing is the broom sedge that they just refuse to touch. What it use to look like - what what the new patch looks like is more like this.
Fresh Ground
With the sun going down so early this time of year, it was dark by the time I finished moving everything, so I don't even think they've noticed the new addition, yet. I'm sure they'll be super excited about it when they find out in the morning!
With all the effort you have exerted, for sure it will excite them when they notice it later on.
Way to go, that would be hard work rotational grazing, especially in the winter! I bet you can't wait for the ground to freeze, though your sheep will beg to differ I'm sure. How long until the new babies are born?
It is work, but it's work that I enjoy. We are brand new to sheep, so I'm not really sure how much longer on the babies, but it's gotta be some time soon!
The title and image of your post caught my attention. I am wondering where are you based?
Spending time with the cows and sheeps is very soothing and calming to me. We are far from nature because we reside in the city. We visit farms in the summer, but after reading your post, I now understand how much more work you must put in to take care of them in the winter. They need more attention and care during the winter months to stay warm and comfortable. This entails supplying them with additional hay and grain, protection from the wind and weather, and clean water. I never gave thought any of this.
We are in Arkansas, USA. We're pretty new to having livestock, too. It is definitely a learning process; but I'm like you: taking care of my animals is kind of my happy place. It is hard work, but it is hard work that I enjoy and get a sense of fulfillment from.