[Jacob-list] Flocks amovin'

[Mary Hansson]

Hi all,

Glad to hear some of the Fibre Folds sheep made it down this direction.

Thought I would update the list on my new vet----a REAL LIVE VET after
2+ years without!  He arrived about the time I finished digging a hole
to fit a fine yearling ewe into that died suddenly and without
permission.  I didn't move anything or disturb the site, hoping he would
see something obvious.  The vet checked her out last since there wasn't
a whole heck of a lot he could do to revive her.  Not a CLUE as to what
did her in, as it truly looks like she simply fell over dead.  Not a
sign of a struggle or movement at all.  The rest of the flock looked
healthy.  She looked healthy, if you can say that about a dead sheep.
Her burial took place after he left and concluded as my husband was
driving in the driveway.....his usual timing :o)

The 11 year old ram has a growth between his front legs---nobody can
miss that.  Linda---You and your buddy had the correct knowledge base,
as he said "lipoma" right off and said "not a thing to worry about, as
it won't harm him or anything else a bit".  Very common in older rams,
as many of them get a callous or pad over that area and this is
essentially an exaggeration of that.  Certainly doesn't impinge on his
ability to court the girls----we got a regular show all afternoon from
him and a particular young lady.

We discussed the sudden appearance of a bulldog bite on a 6 year old
ewe...suspect broken jaw or at the least dislodged and broken teeth as
they are out of line and loose in her.  She is eating well and is
otherwise very healthy.

The Twigg ewe with the lump on her side....not likely a hernia, and not
likely anything to be concerned about either as he palpated and studied
her thoroughly.  He said it probably could be removed without any
serious trouble, but with her advanced apparent age, it might be
risky....  I pointed out that "if it ain't broke, I don't particularly
want to fix it".

The 14 year old ram attempted to do in my border collie while we were
drawing OPP blood, so he got to go in solitary until we were finished.
Doubt he could have done too much damage to the dog, but I didn't want
any of those behaviors taking place from either the ram or the dog.
Since most of his friends are sheep that I have had either since birth
or for quite a while, this group was the most difficult to handle.  A
little fear and uncertainty will freeze lots of sheep into
inactivity.....not my "pets", though  :o)  

This time next year, this new group will be just as hard to handle as my
"old girls".  The oldest girls are the sweetest in the Twigg group.  The
ONE WITH THE UDDER (Royal) is a real pain.  Sure wish you had taken me
up on that beauty.  Something tells me that the older ones probably had
built some sort of friendship base with Mr. Twigg, as they will come up,
eat out of your hand, accept scratches, nuzzle you, etc.  The ones that
are under 2-3 years of age watch the older ones with concern.  Both of
the old rams come up, but also hang back a bit.

Deb---The vet and I both concluded that we wouldn't want to really anger
Noah.  That boy is FAT.  We did him first and then put him on the other
side of the catch pen.

I didn't need any exercise after catching and holding 59 sheep for him.
I told my husband I was going to bed early---and he recommended the
same, saying I looked like I needed it :o(.

Mary Ellen Hansson, ISeeSpots Farm
Jacob Sheep:  Those horny, fuzzy critters
Shop:  Knitting, crochet, spinning supplies
www.iseespots.com (336) 854-6209