Ask the Shepherd ~ Why do sheep curl their upper lip? Flehmen Response Curling back the upper lip. Inhaling deeply-head held high. The transfer of air carrying pheromones to an organ in the roof of the mouth, provides the animal with information about the scent. It’s a sheep thing. It’s the way that they gather information. It is how … Read More
Raising Quadruplet Lambs Our bundle of Gotland quads have reached day 24 and are growing strong! In raising quadruplet lambs, we have all learned a few quadruplet survival skills along the way: Mum needs proper nutrition to feed quadruplets! We have been supplementing Kamila’s diet ever since the quads were born. She gets extra grain and fermented alfalfa … Read More
Twas the day before sugaring, When all through the woods, Not a maple was left standing without a spout or a hood. The buckets were hung round the maples with care, In hopes that springtime soon would be there. All over town, sugar makers nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of evaporators whistled in their heads. At Grand … Read More
Ask the Shepherd The song and dance of breeding season has begun on our farm! As the days shorten and the temperatures drop, ewes begin to cycle and the rams begin to pine away at the fence line. Once the rams are turned in with the ewes, the dance begins. A new shepherd wrote to me the other day asking … Read More
Since the very first time I visited a sheep farm, I have been touched by the camaraderie, encouragement, compassion, and sharing of knowledge within the community of sheep people. Through the years of raising my own sheep, I have come to believe it is because shepherds understand the heart work of raising sheep as well as the day to … Read More
