Sheep – Page 2 – Plum Blossom Farm

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Carole Balala

Splitting up the flock

I have had these new sheep for almost a year now and the blend has not been seamless. My original flock is all polled, or hornless and the new flock has large prominent horns. What has happened is that my original Wensleydale flock is fearful of the new Karakuls and for good reason. The Karakuls can be very pushy and ram the Wensleydales, very hard at times.

In the six months that I have had the two flocks housed together I have had two serious injuries in my original flock. I had a wether named Marzo (see below), unable to stand for several days due to a pelvic or spinal injury.

Then Lawrent (white sheep above) suddenly was very lame one evening when I entered the barn barely able to walk, clearly in a great deal of pain.

Both wethers luckily made a full recovery but that was the final straw; the flocks would have to be separated.

I do not want to re-home the Karakuls because they are so personable and sweet to me and each other. I have just figured out a new was to think about them. They are the “goat-iest” sheep I have ever known. They are bolder around dogs and people than most sheep and are more aggressive like goats too. When I had goats I did end up keeping them separate from my sheep as they were getting picked on in the same way. Except those goats were Angoras and half the size of my original sheep and so it seemed a slightly more even match.

So now my chores are a bit longer and more complicated. Two waters, two mineral tubs, separate feeders, etc. But at least I can relax and know that everyone will be safe.

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Carole Balala

Sheep Oral Surgery

A month of expensive vet visits are the most current events at Plum Blossom Farm. The older sheep in the flock are needing dental work. Most sheep are not allowed to grow old. They are sent to slaughter far before they need any medical care. On my farm however all the animals have a forever home here and are given whatever medical attention they need.

Just like horses, sheeps teeth continue to grow throughout their life. This is probably where the phrase “long in the tooth” comes from. This becomes a problem as the grinding molars grow and cause each bite to be painful. The sheep in this condition lose weight and become thin. I have heard so many times that old sheep just get skinny, there is no way you can fatten them up. But apparently this is the actual problem and it is at least manageable. But it does cost – $125 each.

I found a new wonderful vet out of Potter Valley named Dr Rich Brazil. He was willing to float my older sheep’s teeth. This means filing them down. It was a long process with sedation involved but everyone made it through fine so far. I will do one more round of old girls and boys to make sure everyone’s teeth are in good shape. I had to break the patients into two
groups to divide the bill.

I am glad to do what I can for these sweet animals. It is so rewarding to see them eating better now and finally putting some weight back on; just in time for winter.

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Carole Balala

First Fall Shearing

This is the first time I’ve ever had two shearings in a year. All the time I’ve had the sheep I’ve just had them shorn once in the early summer or spring.

My shearer believes that sheep stay healthier without all that wool on them throughout the year and it does seem like they get a spring in their step the day after. Studies have shown that sheep will grow more wool per year if they are shorn twice.

Plus most wool mills can only handle a 6″ staple length. Some of my sheep get near that at the six month mark so it becomes a problem for the mill equipment after that.

We’ll see if the locks still sell okay at the shorter length. But either way it started to become a matter of necessity to have shorter, cleaner fleeces.

Posted on March 12, 2013June 21, 2013 by Carole Balala

Fat Tails

We have all heard of Little Bo Peep which lines end with the sheep coming home dragging their tails behind them. Some have thought Miss Bo Peep must have been a shepherd of Karakul sheep since their tails can get so heavy that they actually drag on the ground. One unique characteristic that Karakuls have is that they store fat in their tails. They have broad flat tails that are very distinct from most other breeds of sheep.

Here are some behinds that show off this unique trait:

gray sheep long tails — Tails of Junebug and Ferdinand

Posted on January 11, 2013June 21, 2013 by Carole Balala

New Arrivals Part Two

Rabbit and his impressive curly horns

This is Rabbit. I loved him instantly. He was my first pick. He looks right into your eyes. When I lean over he gives me a little kiss. I am a lucky girl to have so many charming sheep around!

JuneBug loves to be petted

Ok here is another new friend I adore. This is JuneBug. He is so sweet and will follow you around for attention and scratches. JuneBug is a complete LoveBug!

Posted on January 7, 2013June 21, 2013 by Carole Balala

Announcing New Arrivals: Karakuls!

I have adopted five rare-breed Karakul sheep! They are considered the oldest breed of sheep and originate from Asia. They have a long staple wool that is very strong, mostly used for rugs and outer garments.I will tell about three of the additions this week and two in my next posting so stay tuned!

Bayarma is the only new ewe

This is Bayarma! She is an eight year old ewe and is always smiling as you can see! She is the smallest of the new sheep probably weighing around 125 pounds. She has tight perfect curls framing her silky smooth face. A very pretty girl!

Haggart is so handsome!

I am just smitten with Haggart! Named after the big and warm character from the Harry Potter books “Haggart” is fitting. He a very friendly guy and just so gorgeous!

Darwin munches on some delicious hay

Darwin is a lovely red color, unusual for Karakuls. He is the shyest of my new friends but will still join us for treats. His fleece is a warm beige and I cannot wait to play with it!

Category: Sheep