We've had a very productive Summer already, and it hasn't even really started. Three weeks ago we had a crew come and install new fencing, which has expanded the goat lot, divided the big grazing field, and replaced some fallen decorative fence. The farm is really looking nice and the animals are really enjoying the new vegetation.
The goats now have an acre-plus wooded-field lot behind the barn. They have all sorts of browse to choose from, and they're helping to keep the predators from sneaking in on the chickens or baby lambs. Unfortunately they're being a bit wimpy and really staying right behind the barn. The only way I can get them to graze the field is if I go visit the big-boy sheep and encourage some competition for attention. I do think once they nibble down the small stuff they'll wonder further from the barn to seek out the rest of the brush.
In the meantime the ram and company are grazing the new field and enjoying a change of scenery. Cedar, Buckwheat, and Otto are happily browsing raspberries while Mac recovers from his horn trimming. Robbie's happy to keep Mac company, especially if it means extra scratches and a few treats.
The lambs are all growing quite nicely. A few of the ram lambs are getting exceptionally fine fleece. I'm really pleased with the quality of the lambs we had this year.
We did have to have one horn trimming yesterday, which was unfortunate for such a young lamb. He's recovered just fine, but it's too bad his horns are no good because he has great fleece and is the fastest growing ram lamb so far. He really could have made a great ram had his horns cooperated. He's the large black ram in the back.
The sheep have decided that the dead apple tree (-thanks
goats!) is a great scratching post. Maggie really wound herself into its
branches this afternoon to get a good back scratch. The lambs also seem
to enjoy nibbling and rubbing against the downed branches. They like to
play follow-the-leader these days, and often they congregate in groups
and begin hopping on one another.
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