KrisK Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 I've finally done it. I've put the deposit on spinner flock - I'm getting 4 wethers and 2 registered ewes. I've ordered the fencing, and heavy duty solar electric fencer which should give the coyotes a good jolt. The paddock is within 60 feet of the house and far enough away from the bush. Here are 4 of the sheep that will be arriving soon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airbear Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 That is so exciting! Will you do the carding and spinning and everything? Me, I only get involved at the knitting stage. Congratulations on your impending flock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 Very exciting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 Congratulations! I'm so jealous. I really miss having sheep but circumstances beyond my control have prevented me from having them again. I hope you enjoy them! I'll have to live vicariously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 Congratulations, Kris! You've worked a long time towards this, and it's so nice to see it happening. May your flock grow and prosper, and produce nice fleeces too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 It looks like you'll have a nice mix of colors. Are you planning to breed yout ewes? How exciing that your dream is coming true! J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted September 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 Kristi - I actually bought a spinning wheel from a friend who was downsizing...and besides Jo, there is a master spinner in my area so yes, I do plan to work on carding, spinning, etc Julie - I won't breed right away since these will be my first sheep, but I did get the ewes with breeding in mind in the near future. I love the colours too! DH has been pretty good about this new venture - even though he's not enthusiastic, he's been helping out with getting the fence lines laid out and since he is a perfectionist - he'll probably help with the fence too I'm excited and nervous at the same time - It is a big step to be responsible for more lives on the farm.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam Wolf Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 good luck with the coyotes being able to catch the things! I enjoyed the Shetlands I had. I am picking up some Shetland BFL crosses this week and look forward to them. The Shetlands have nice fleeces for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smalahundur Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 Good looking sheep, congrats, hope you´ll have fun with them. Will you be shearing them yourself? I´ve done a little bit myself, but with our flock of hundred ewes I find it more practical to bring in a "professional". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisbeegirl Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 Have Fun. They can be easy keepers. I have had my ewe lambs for 3 months now. My DH wasn't too excited either but now I catch him just watching them. He loves to send Keeva to fetch them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted September 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 Pam...I'm actually getting a BFL/Shetland cross too There is a professional shearer who lives in the village closest to me! How lucky is that I may try shearing myself in the future, but I'll get the pro for the time being. As for the coyotes - they haven't been much of an issue here. There seems to be a larger problem in the farming country closer to urban areas. I guess their habitat is being made smaller and smaller. That being said, I am taking the firearms safety course at the end of September and will likely purchase an appropriate gun, just in case they become too bold. I'm hoping that the good fencing and electric fence will be a big enough deterrent..I really prefer to 'live and let live' when it comes to wildlife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted September 5, 2013 Report Share Posted September 5, 2013 One plus to the Shetlands is that when you do breed, you won't need to dock tails since they have naturally short tails. Not sure if the same holds true for Shetland mules (the BFL cross). I imagine the fleece on that cross will be absolutely lovely! J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam Wolf Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 The mules I've seen were docked. Same for the pure BFL I looked at. The ewes I've not seen, a couple of the ewe lambs are out of a Welsh bred sire and he has fabulous wool. I am getting a BFL cross with a touch of Border Leicester in it trying to improve the wool a bit. At least I was lucky and found a producer around here who has grass fed sheep too. too many around here feed grain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OurBoys Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 Congrats, Kris! I love it you're that much closer to living your dream. Keep us updated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam Wolf Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Just got the BFL/Shetlands they have really thick fleeces, it will be interesting to see them sheared. These gals were quite fat! I am also curious as to how the BFL's do as well as the BFLram's lambs next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted September 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2013 Fence project well underway - too bad my work life interferes with my farm life Thanks to Jo for driving up from her place to lend a hand..... I think I'll owe her a couple of fleeces.... hmmm...not sure why the photos are so small! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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