Today was a bitter day. The wind just blew right through us, turning our bones to ice. Because it was the coldest day of the year, today was the day to move the sheep inside.
The pastures really haven't grown any for the last month, due to the decreasing daylight and temperatures. The sheep have been suffering from the "grass-is-greener" virus, causing the bolder ones to run the gauntlet of the high tensile electric fence. It only hurts for a second when you squeeze through the wires, and that wool is wonderfully insulating against the shock. As more and more ventured outside the fence, it became apparent that it was time to move them inside.
So, about supper time we all headed out back to herd them inside. The nice thing about sheep is that once you get a few going where you want them, the rest tend to follow.
(By the way, there are no photos today because I was busy working. And besides, the weather made us not want to dilly-dally about looking for Kodak moments.)
Of course herding is not the only part of bringing the sheep in. You have to worm the one straggler that doesn't look well. You have to fasten the gates in the barn to set up the different pens. You have to provide hay in the feeders, and water in the tubs. Oops! Frozen hoses. The Farmer ended up hauling water by the bucketful, until the watering tubs were full.
I am so thankful for a warm house. And supper was only about 45 minutes late.
The pastures really haven't grown any for the last month, due to the decreasing daylight and temperatures. The sheep have been suffering from the "grass-is-greener" virus, causing the bolder ones to run the gauntlet of the high tensile electric fence. It only hurts for a second when you squeeze through the wires, and that wool is wonderfully insulating against the shock. As more and more ventured outside the fence, it became apparent that it was time to move them inside.
So, about supper time we all headed out back to herd them inside. The nice thing about sheep is that once you get a few going where you want them, the rest tend to follow.
(By the way, there are no photos today because I was busy working. And besides, the weather made us not want to dilly-dally about looking for Kodak moments.)
Of course herding is not the only part of bringing the sheep in. You have to worm the one straggler that doesn't look well. You have to fasten the gates in the barn to set up the different pens. You have to provide hay in the feeders, and water in the tubs. Oops! Frozen hoses. The Farmer ended up hauling water by the bucketful, until the watering tubs were full.
I am so thankful for a warm house. And supper was only about 45 minutes late.
I bet today was cold at the market too, Lona. Brrrrrr!
ReplyDeleteGlad your sheep (and your family) have a warm place to sleep tonight.