October 13, 2024 Truth to be told, I take certain chances that the sheep will behave themselves. Yesterday, on one side of their new paddock, a small portion didn’t have electric twine set up yet. As they entered their newly offered pasture, I held my breath. Moments later, they were just steps away from passing…
What I wish my sheep would recognize: 1. That I’ve shown up to reset the fences so new feed is provided. 2. That their health is dependent on some unfavorable medicine poured down their throat. 3. That they don’t need to be afraid of me, but still move in the direction I indicate. From the…
October 10, 2024
October 8, 2024 When sheep are huddled together, it shows their design kicking in. In a fierce storm, they will stand so tightly together it helps them to stay warm enough. When dogs come raiding that flock, they also try to huddle tightly together. I know as an earthly shepherd, when all the sheep heads…
October 7, 2024 Lambs raised on a bottle can surprise you with their behavior after they are weaned. Some of them stay loyal, coming to me even when I don’t have any treats to offer. Some are stubborn, doing exactly as they please, which makes them inconsistent leaders for the flock. Others act like I…
2024 October 4 I get frustrated when something I worked hard at has come to nothing. It takes different forms for each of us, but mine are lambs I’ve fought to keep alive, but sickness came, and then they wither like a plant. For this particular lamb, I spent time doing nighttime feeding, figuring out…
2024 October 2
2024 September 27 The story of Elaine, a purebred dorper whose picture is on my Facebook banner, is pretty radical. Though she was tame, her independent streak was her downfall. Because sheep behavior is so linked to each individual that she had to be rehomed! Because she was jumping over my electric fences, she enticed…
2024 September 26 Every sheep, whether here in Kona or in Waimea, are a unique blend of: ones that trust me, ones that are extremely fearful, ones that don’t take much convincing to follow, and more. So when I let the flock onto the paved road next to the preschool, I have no idea of…