The weather was lovely today in the Hudson Valley and Erin, Patrick and I took advantage of it by working outside all day long. First we separated the one-year-old does from the tiny, under-sized one-year-old bucks. We had taken the bigger boys out months ago, but we have five little bucks that never got any size on them, and I was hoping to give them a chance to catch up before putting them in with the adult males. The doelings are growing like crazy all of a sudden and we decided put them in with the adult does and ewes today.
We brought Kit Kat back to the boys pen today. The nasty cut on his ear is entirely healed up and he has completed his course of anti-biotics, so there was no reason to keep him in with the Weight Watchers anymore. We also returned FDR to the boys pen after a week in with the ewes. Any females that are unbred now will have to remain open this year.
Our big project today was working all the bucks and rams. They all needed their hooves trimmed, worming, two vaccinations, and the goats also needed delousing. Working a whole pen of animals is really hard work but it goes much faster with when the three of us do it together. Patrick does the heavy lifting- flipping the animals up on to their backsides and trimming hooves. Meanwhile I measure out the wormer and mark them with a livestock marker on the nose and Erin gives them two injections. Then we all three put on particulate masks and pour on the diatomaceous earth that we use to delouse the goat.
We got all the boys but five done before we had to knock off due to freezing fingers and hunger. We’ll finish up tomorrow and I’ll have Harry make another video so you can see the whole glamourous process.
Salina had a good day. She is still a bit groggy but she’s happy as a clam in her pen with a shelter all to herself and room service bringing her hay, water and grain that she doesn’t have to share. I’ll post some pics tomorrow.
After a day of working sheep and goats I am exhausted, but I also have a great feeling of accomplishment. It makes me happy to know that I am taking good care of my flock, doing things that they need to keep them healthy. It’s the best feeling I know.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Your day certainly does sound exhausting but you do what you do because you love your animals so much. You’re all just amazing.
Glad Salina is feeling better… TLC is always a good thing.
No better feeling than the tired from a hard days work in fresh air. Glad Salina is feeling better.
I’m glad she’s doing well. I love that feeling you’re talking about. I really never get that feeling working here in my cubicle. However, last time I was on MV and just spent that little time helping you herd the boys to go get sheared I had that feeling.
Thrilled to hear Salina is back in form. Can’t wait for Harry’s new video. I think that young man has a bit of George Lucas in him.
Really looking forward to another video from Harry! So Happy Salina is doing well!!!!!!!!!
I am going to be visiting the Vineyard this week, I have a good friend that lives in Vineyard Haven. Where on the island are you located? I would like to come visit and most likely buy some yarn. Is is possible to stop by?