New to Sheep, Need a Hug

[ladyrsanti]

So I posted about my new spinner's flock a while ago (https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/678818/my-new-lambs#post_9170938 if you want to see them) and I am enjoying them tremendously. But I have questions as I'm new to raising sheep. I've been spinning for while and I have spun wool from this particular breed and wool from the same breeder in fact, that I got these lambs from. It's been my favorite wool to work with of all the wool I've ever bought. It's soft, durable and is great to mix in different shades (from creamy white, grays, slate, black and sometimes with hints of brown). You can over-dye the combinations. I've knit some great mittens (http://ravel.me/Ladyrsanti/nwsgi) as a gift to my sister for introducing me to the breeder and a super soft stocking cap that I gave as payment to my uncle who lathed me some new bobbins for my antique spinning wheel, both from that breeder's flock. Top quality wool, mind you. I just love it!

But back to my lambs. I had a question regarding shears and their dirty butts (they came to me just after a round of worm medicine and they had had diarrhea). I know how to spin. I know how to handle a raw fleece. But I've never sheared a sheep and don't have the equipment. So I figured Backyard Herds forum was a good place to ask about what to buy and what not to buy. Well... I introduced myself and asked and the first and only response I've gotten so far was so passively negative that I instantly questioned if I should even own these lambs. Yes, I'm sensitive but still - there was no welcome, no greeting of any sort. Just... well... them telling me that Jacob wool wasn't worth spinning - from what they claim to be, an experienced shearer.

I need a hug

 

[verity]

 

[Glenmar]

Sorry.

 

[WallabyOfChaos]

So sorry to hear that. My mother owned a small flock of Jacobs back when she was spinning and weaving, and her spinning friends absolutely loved the Jacob wool.

If you just want to clean them up and trim off the dirty wool on their rear ends then you can pick up a good hand shear at most online livestock supply companies that sell sheep and goat stuff. If you want to buy a set of electric clippers then you would be looking for something like these (warning- they are pricey!): http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_product_group.html?cguid=2FFFB7EC-F60F-42F0-A55A-CEA30B973702 And a comb to go with it: http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_product_group.html?cguid=f91cbce1-0c5d-4a8a-8439-bde816d5c984 Probably a 13-tooth comb since Jacobs are considered a medium wool.

If your lambs are still scouring a bit then I think it would be a good idea to crutch them, especially if you think they may be at risk for fly strike. I wish I could be of more help, but we run hair sheep.

 

[goosehead]

sorry

 

[ladyrsanti]

Thanks guys! And thanks for the info WallabyOfChaos (love the name btw!)

 

[Munkey]

Your not the only one who hasn't had a pleasant experience there! Though after time a few very kind people (Who I later noticed are on BYC too) helped me as well so your not the only one!

 

[WallabyOfChaos]

Ladyrsanti - How are your little lambs doing?

 

[ladyrsanti]

They are doing great, thanks for asking! I'm working on getting them to eat from my hand so I can handle them. The one that needs the trimming most is doing the best luckily so I'm hoping it won't be long before I can get her training on the harness. She loves treats and scratches. Luckily the flies don't seem to be bothering her and their droppings are completely normal and solid, just residual tags from when they were at the breeder's. I bought a pair of 3 1/2" hand shears for this, for now. For shearing in the spring, I will probably splurge on an electric one. I've been a little worried about the quality of their pasture though because of the drought we have going on here. They seem so desperate for food whenever I go into the barn that I can't tell if it's just because they want treats and scratches or if they're not getting enough to eat. I'm having trouble finding hay right now so I'm hoping it's the former. I contacted the breeder with this question and she said she's heard of a lot of people putting their sheep on hay right now because of the drought so now I'm just not sure. But I am going to try to get them some hay just in case, even if I have to drive a ways.

But otherwise they are very enjoyable and coming along nicely.