We're keeping fingers crossed that Zoe too will soon be able to join us for hikes and outings. And below, a glimpse of my Christmas afternoon hike with Farley. Here's a pic of Zoe the couch potato (above) on Christmas morning. Also, much love and thanks to our good friends Dick, Gale and Jackson for taking Farley into your home so Zoe could rest. Kurt Shulz and the staff at Peak Veterinary Referral Center in Burlington, VT for taking such good care of Zoe. It was a very happy family reunion for all! Her positive report also meant that Farley, her brother who has been staying with friends for the 8 week window of her recovery, could come home again. This is one of the best gifts we could ask for. Although she still has along road to rehab ahead, she appears to be walking without lameness. Her xrays on December 19th hold promise – good healing from the surgery. As some of you may know, she's been convalescing from radical surgery back in October to address severe degenerative joint disease in her right elbow. The week before Christmas, we had some encouraging news for our Zoe, our 1 year old Golden Retriever. Milestone #1 – Hooray for Zoe and Welcome Home, Farley! We celebrated arrivals and marked several milestones this season. These are two great positions to put them in when needing to do anything with them such as trimming hooves, giving shots, and shearing.Mike and I celebrated the holidays quietly at home this year, enjoying the company of our flock, dogs, llamas, goat, donkeys – and each other. They also totally relax when placed on their bum, off their feet. By putting a hand under their chin and lifting their nose up a little in the air, they will usually relax. You got me! Once you have caught a sheep, they will usually relax and give in to you if you have control over their head.This ewe is scanning the field while she grazes. This allows us to put an arm around their neck without their realizing it. We approach the sheep from behind, out of their line of vision. When we need to catch a sheep, we will first put them all into a small pen. Understanding their line of vision allows you to catch a sheep much easier. They are constantly scanning the field as they graze. With their eyes set on the sides of their heads, their field of vision is quite broad. I see ewe – As a prey animal, sheep rely heavily on their vision.When approaching sheep, it is best to move slowly and talk softly. Quick movements, loud noises, and dogs, will all put sheep on the run. For instance, if you need to move them into the barn at night, turn on the barn light and they will more easily follow you in. Sheep are hesitant to move towards the dark or into an enclosed area. Sheep will also follow someone they trust and know. Leaders tend to be the most dominant sheep in the flock. If you can get one sheep moving, then the rest will most likely follow. On the Move – Sheep will follow a leader.Clearly, they knew who each other was and were glad to be back together again. The ram immediately walked over to his sister and they stood nose to nose for 30 minutes. After two years of separation, we put the two siblings back in the same field. They both remained on our farm but in different fields and paddocks. One time, we had separated a set of twins (ram and ewe) at weaning time. I often see family groups grazing and sleeping together in the field. Family Bonds – Sheep will stay in maternal groups for life.Separating one sheep out from the rest of the flock is disturbing and frightening to them. Flocking Instincts – Sheep have a strong flocking instinct.Once you understand these basic facts, it is much easier to work with them. If someone had only told us these five things you should know about sheep behavior-our lives would have been much easier.
RUNNING SHEEP KICKS MAN IN BARN FULL
Those early days and weeks of getting to know and care for our new flock of sheep were full of mishaps and escapades. When we purchased our first sheep, years ago, we had little knowledge of sheep behavior.
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