Messages

1

All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: Success stories!

« on: October 19, 2015, 11:00:29 pm »

Congratulations!  My daughter was running the sheep show and said Case was adorable and never stopped working!  Very happy for your success!

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All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: Feeding Times

« on: September 04, 2015, 03:42:27 pm »

During breeding season I normally feed once per day to the bulk of the flock.  I do have 15 new yearling ewes with a buck lamb that are fed twice a day.  During lambing seasons the ewes that are in the lambing barn or the lambing pen are fed twice a day but the general population is fed once a day until they lamb.  Crystal - it does cut down on time and they handle it just fine.  They make a lot of noise for a few days but they adjust.   I have also found that my feeding time really does effect when the ewes seem to lamb.  If I feed by 5 pm they lamb before midnight - if I feed later they normally go between 2-4 am.  I really try and shoot for 5 so I can get a good nights sleep!

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All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: What is your favorite show feed

« on: September 04, 2015, 03:32:54 pm »

Used Honor for about 10 years - consistent results.  Feed is readily available and the lambs normally eat without a problem.  Like their supplements as well better still need to tweak now and then.  My only complaint is the plant in CA doesn't have the moisture in the feed and others have.  Our Honor is just a little dry for me these days - tried different outlets - all the same.  Straight from the mill is dry too so I don't think our plant/mill uses quite the same molasses content.  Wish it was just a little moister.  Still gets the job done.  Have tested others during the off season and still come back to the Honor.

4

All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: Watermelon for Sheep

« on: August 21, 2015, 01:37:42 pm »

I guess it just depends on personal preference.  I wouldn't eat a watermelon with seeds now for nothing.  I actually enjoy my watermelon now without dodging those darn seeds!    My sheep love to eat them but they are just a treat - not much nutritional value...if any.

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All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: can a lighter lamb win?

« on: August 17, 2015, 12:07:01 pm »

He really looks like he loves showing sheep!  You have lots and lots of shows  and years to win that banner and I am sure you will!  Very happy for the success!

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All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: can a lighter lamb win?

« on: August 16, 2015, 11:07:13 pm »

Congratulations Crystal!  You have really made some great changes in the last few years and it is paying off.  The lambs looked great in the photos!

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All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: Do you guys flush your ewes?

« on: August 16, 2015, 11:04:54 pm »

We had 164% last year.  Our ewes are normally in good shape  long before breeding but  the added nutrition has worked for us.  I also have mineral tubs and loose mineral supplement with decox out all year.  I only run 50-60 ewes so it might not be cost effective for huge flocks.  It may not work for everyone but as long as it works for us, we will keep using it.  Shadow with the poor feed in central valley with no rain I would imagine flushing would be very beneficial.

8

All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: Do you guys flush your ewes?

« on: August 12, 2015, 05:51:02 pm »

We always flush the ewes - normally with rolled corn and free choice grass hay for 30 days prior to breeding and we continue for the first 30 days of breeding.  We start breeding the first week in June and this flushing program has worked successfully for us for over 30 years.  Gets the ewes in good shape for breeding and keeps the ram in condition during his first months workout.  Normally we stop with the rolled corn at 60 days but continue the free choice grass hay thru the remainder of the breeding cycle.  Some years we have had rain by now and have some green growing but this year it's more like a desert so they are still getting corn to supplement.  Praying for some rain soon - getting tired of the dust bowl.

9

All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: Cow Palace

« on: August 03, 2015, 05:35:00 pm »

Liz - best thing to do is to email Vanessa at Cow Palace.  I don't think the book is out yet but she has all the information regarding arrival.  I don't remember a vet check when we went a couple of years ago but things are always changing.

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All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: When do you guys shear?

« on: July 10, 2015, 03:46:16 pm »

Same as Crystal - we sheared June 6th.  Gives them a little more protection in the winter and a little more "air" in the summer.  With black face ewes I don't have alot of wool around the udder but if there is I can always tag them.

11

All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: Is this just asking for trouble?

« on: July 05, 2015, 10:39:39 pm »

I have a ewe that has lambed 7 years - twins every year and she has what I call a lazy rectum.  Never used iodine - never really ever changed.  I liked the ewe real well and made the decision to keep her. It was worth the gamble - she has produced well for me.  I wouldn't do anything with it unless it starts to flower more.

12

All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: hay

« on: July 05, 2015, 10:32:28 pm »

I think the ewes cycling depends on the climate.  We are about 20 miles from the ocean and those cool evening breezes come in and make for early breeding.  I have ewes marked as early as June 15.  Normally quite a few breed before August but I think my climate here helps.  I normally flush the ewes with rolled corn and grass hay free choice.

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All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: Going to MWSRS in 2015?

« on: June 14, 2015, 08:16:17 pm »

Planned on attending but plans have changed.  Have already starting planning for the next year!  Have fun and I hope it isn't a hot year for those that attend!

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All Sheep and Lamb Discussion / Re: New rams for 2015

« on: June 14, 2015, 08:11:33 pm »

We lost our Hancock Kentucky Rock ram this year while we were in Reno but we will be using Houdini - a Hancock 9100 son - Mirage - Hancock/Miller breeding and Twister our Johnson Family Show Stock MacFlurry son (Burn x Swagger). Looking forward to the lambs this year.  Using Twister on many of our Kentucky Rock (Rock of Ages) daughters.