[Blackbelly] ABB Ram for sale or trade
Hi All: I need to diversify the gene pool, so it is time to either sell or trade my ram. I have 3 generations from him and am happy with the lambs we get--better than 50% twins. he is not aggressive and easy to handle. Pics on request. Located in Northern New Mexico. Let me hear from you'all. Tom ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] I'm looking for sheep
Preston I have a nice American Blackbelly ram, and two yearling ewes. In northeastern New Mexico Tom -Original Message- From: Preston Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:15 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: [Blackbelly] I'm looking for sheep Howdy, Now that I'm back on my ranchette (a long story), I need to re-establish my blackbelly flock. So, I'm looking for some breeding ewes in the DFW or North Texas area. If you've got some you'd like to sell, please email me offlist. Regards, Preston ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] American Blackbelly ram for sale
I am interested in selling or maybe trading Rambo, a 3 yr old ABB ram. He has produced 5 lambs over the past 2 years from my 2 ewes. I just want to diversify the gene pool. Pics of the flock are available. I can post on facebook, or email to anyone interested. We live in northern New Mexico. Tom Quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Ewe poked her eye out--UPDATE
Fortunately, we have a happy ending. We treated her by rinsing the eye with clean water, then applied opthalmic gel and a gauze bandage secured with duct tape. Also gave her three shots of penicillin. after about 5 days, the big red swollen areas shrunk away. She now has a complete but blank eyeball, and is none the worse for the experience. I cannot figure what really happened. Thanks to the group for the help Tom -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Tom Quinn Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 9:44 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: [Blackbelly] Ewe poked her eye out One of my ewes appears to have poked her eye out. There is just a red swollen area where her eye was. It was clean, so we drenched the area in iodine, and covered it with a gauze pad, held on with duct tape. I'll check it tomorrow. Anything I am missing or should look for? Tom ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Ewe poked her eye out
One of my ewes appears to have poked her eye out. There is just a red swollen area where her eye was. It was clean, so we drenched the area in iodine, and covered it with a gauze pad, held on with duct tape. I'll check it tomorrow. Anything I am missing or should look for? Tom ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] dog training questions
I agree. It takes a lot of practice off stock, or in an arena. Also get a copy of the book "Lessons from a Stock Dog" by Bruce Fogt. It has good suggestions about how to lengthen the outrun, and correct diving in. Tom - Original Message From: KATHI SEAMAN To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Wed, August 25, 2010 1:40:49 PM Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] dog training questions The stay is simply a training issue. Dogs really aren't "stubborn" they just do what is in their best interest at the time. Can she do a 10 minute down stay away from sheep? If she can not then there is no way you will get one when sheep are involved. She is just doing what "she" thinks is right. We need to explain to them that what they think is correct isn't always the correct thing! :-) I also have BC and one of the hardest things to teach them is to do NOTHING. Every time she is allowed to leave her stay and actually gets to round up the ewes she is being accidently rewarded for breaking the stay. In her mind stay means hang out a little while until she feels like going and getting the sheep then she is rewarded for it, why would she stay there? (Beating her wouldn't be a good reason, her desire to work sheep will more than likely over ride any correct you could give and just make her afraid of you.) As far as not getting a down in the pasture, it's the same thing. Work your downs away from the sheep then when that is PERFECT, start working the sheep in a small area so is you ask her to down you can make it happen. By allowing herd to continue bringing you she after you have told her to down she is again getting rewarded for NOT doing as she is asked. It sounds like you have a couple of really nice dogs there. It's hard to stop and train when you have a job to get done but if you want it to get better you must. Juts my .02 Kathi -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info] On Behalf Of Crystal Wolf Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 11:47 AM To: Blackbelly digest Subject: [Blackbelly] dog training questions What is a reasonable amount of time to ask a working dog to down and stay? Sometimes, I want to put my dog on a down/stay and go off to do something that may take 10 minutes or so. Tarra is a 5 and half year old Border Collie who has a mind of her own and can be quite stubborn. When I put her on down/stay, Tarra will stay for awhile and then the next thing I know she has gone out to the big pasture to round up the ewes. When I tell her to down in the pasture, she ignores me and keeps bringing the sheep in. She knows that when we go do the evening feeding and watering that the ewes will be brought in from the big pasture to be secured for the night. When we got Tarra, I did not have sheep and she was 2 years old before I got the sheep, so initially Tarra was a pet and we played with the frisbee and such. I have to limit playing with toys because she gets obsessed and would rather play than work. ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] A question about grain
Thanks. Where do you find the corm pellets? Tom - Original Message From: Cecil Bearden To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Fri, August 13, 2010 7:17:51 AM Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] A question about grain My experience has been that lactating ewes do best on alfalfa hay. For grain I use corn pellets that are the dried leftovers from pressing out the syrup in corn. It is high in protein and very digestible. For ewes with twins I give about 4 to 6 oz a day. This stuff is really potent, and they love it. Grain will tend to pack and also give you a problem with tetanus if you have not vaccinated. Just a small amount of any feed other than roughage to be safe. Last thing you want is orphans. Cecil in OKla - Original Message - From: "Tom Quinn" To: Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2010 10:36 PM Subject: [Blackbelly] A question about grain > Before I get to the question ewe 2 just had a nice healthy little ewe lamb. > That helps counter the 2 that we lost. So--for live lambs, we now have two > ewes and 1 ram. > > Now to my question. I have been feeding exclusively hay. Would anyone > recommend grain for the lactating ewes? If so, what? > > Tom quinn > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] A question about grain
Before I get to the question ewe 2 just had a nice healthy little ewe lamb. That helps counter the 2 that we lost. So--for live lambs, we now have two ewes and 1 ram. Now to my question. I have been feeding exclusively hay. Would anyone recommend grain for the lactating ewes? If so, what? Tom quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Update on bottle babies
Hi All: We lost both lambs It was a neurologic problem. Both went from active to having convulsions in a pretty short time, and were gone within a few hours. Thanks to the whole group for help and support. Let's hope the other ewes have healthy lambs.. We do have two really healthy lambs from one of the older ewes. Thanks Tom - Original Message From: Tom Quinn To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Wed, August 4, 2010 1:55:44 PM Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Update on bottle babies Day 2 Michael We lost one of the lambs last night The remaining one weighs right at 2 lbs on day 3. I am trying to get him stretched to 4 hours between feedings. Colostrum replacer and milk replacement. I am mixing the two together, because of the very small amounts he needs. I hope that is ok. I will try to post pictures today or tomorrow Tom -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Michael Smith Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2010 8:59 AM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Update on bottle babies Day 2 Great to hear, Tom. Can you confirm with a lightweight scale? were those babies really in the 1 lb weight range? Any pictures you can post? I've only had two rounds of lambs myself and would be curious to see this. My lightest lamb ever was maybe 4.5 lbs. -Michael, Perino Ranch Blackbellies. On Tue, Aug 3, 2010 at 4:53 PM, Tom Quinn wrote: > I want to thank everyone for the quick and helpful responses. I was so > shocked--went by the sheep pen at 5:30 yesterday evening and there they were! > > The 2 little guys are doing great as of now. I held them last night and fed > them whenever they woke up. We were able to get a little colostrum from the ewe > today, so that was a good thing. Will probably start colostrum replacer > tomorrow. Still no milk from the ewe. > > They have gained strength all through today, and I will sleep with them again > tonight. > > I will keep the group updated, and again thanks for the help > > Tom > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Update on bottle babies Day 2
Michael We lost one of the lambs last night The remaining one weighs right at 2 lbs on day 3. I am trying to get him stretched to 4 hours between feedings. Colostrum replacer and milk replacement. I am mixing the two together, because of the very small amounts he needs. I hope that is ok. I will try to post pictures today or tomorrow Tom -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Michael Smith Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2010 8:59 AM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Update on bottle babies Day 2 Great to hear, Tom. Can you confirm with a lightweight scale? were those babies really in the 1 lb weight range? Any pictures you can post? I've only had two rounds of lambs myself and would be curious to see this. My lightest lamb ever was maybe 4.5 lbs. -Michael, Perino Ranch Blackbellies. On Tue, Aug 3, 2010 at 4:53 PM, Tom Quinn wrote: > I want to thank everyone for the quick and helpful responses. I was so > shocked--went by the sheep pen at 5:30 yesterday evening and there they were! > > The 2 little guys are doing great as of now. I held them last night and fed > them whenever they woke up. We were able to get a little colostrum from the ewe > today, so that was a good thing. Will probably start colostrum replacer > tomorrow. Still no milk from the ewe. > > They have gained strength all through today, and I will sleep with them again > tonight. > > I will keep the group updated, and again thanks for the help > > Tom > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Update on bottle babies Day 2
I want to thank everyone for the quick and helpful responses. I was so shocked--went by the sheep pen at 5:30 yesterday evening and there they were! The 2 little guys are doing great as of now. I held them last night and fed them whenever they woke up. We were able to get a little colostrum from the ewe today, so that was a good thing. Will probably start colostrum replacer tomorrow. Still no milk from the ewe. They have gained strength all through today, and I will sleep with them again tonight. I will keep the group updated, and again thanks for the help Tom ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding
I worked on the ewe for a couple of hours, and got nothing. She has no bag at all. It sounded like she was letting down milk, but nothing. That and the fact that she was butting the lambs away, led us to decide to get them warm and try to bottle feed tonight. These little guys dont weigh much more than one pound each. I will just have to see if we get them through the night, then brew up some colostrum replacer, and see if we can get anything from the ewe. - Original Message From: Carol Elkins To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Mon, August 2, 2010 10:10:31 PM Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding Tom, do everything you possibly can to milk colostrum from the ewe. Put her in a stanchion to hold her still. You may not get a lot, but every bit is important. Measure what you do get and divide it into two parts, one for each lamb. Do this as often as you can to get as much colostrum as you can from her. If she has any milk in her bag, you might try letting the lambs nurse. I stanchioned a ewe three times a day for 3 weeks and she finally accepted the lamb. (I bottle fed him to supplement what he was getting from the ewe.) Read the article I wrote about Raising Bummer Lambs on a Bottle at http://critterhaven.biz/info/articles/bummer_lamb.htm It contains a recipe for a newborn milk formula to use if you have no colostrum. It also provides a schedule and a formula for feeding amounts. Cecil will caution you to not feed as much as the article recommends per feeding and I agree; but it is a place to start. Carol At 09:58 PM 8/2/2010, you wrote: > I dont have any colostrum. All of this happened after the feed stores were > closed. > I can probably find some tomowrrow-- or is that too late? Carol Elkins Critterhaven--Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep (no shear, no dock, no fuss) Pueblo, Colorado http://www.critterhaven.biz ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding
I dont have any colostrum. All of this happened after the feed stores were closed. I can probably find some tomowrrow-- or is that too late? -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Nancy & Tom Richardson Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 9:47 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding They need colostrum or they won't make it. Mana Pro makes a multi species one. But that may be what you fed if so that is great. I feed about 2 ounces if they will take it every 2 hours for the first 12 then more if they will take it and 4 every 4 hours for the next 12 if they will take that much. Some take more first then slack off. They will usually fall into a deep sleep after the first couple of feedings and you will think they are dead almost but when their bellies are really full they sleep sound. If the ewe is butting them now she will not take them from my experience. She will just end up hurting them. Good luck. I raised over 30 babies this spring not all from birth but alot of them we raise several kinds of sheep and I sell alot of bottle babies. Make sure you cuddle them and talk and stroke them this seems to stimulate them and make them excited to feed . also wipe their little bottoms with a damp cloth this imitates mom cleaning and helps them pass the black poo etc Nancy - Original Message - From: "Tom Quinn" To: Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 22:27 Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding > Michael > > I put the 3 of them in a really small pen, but she was butting the lambs > out > of the way, and it was getting dark. > > I will keep them in the house tonight, and try again in the morning > > -Original Message- > From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info > [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of > Michael Smith > Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 8:47 PM > To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info > Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding > > > If you can get the ewe to hang in a VERY small pen with the babies, I > bet, within a few hours, she will start feeding them. > > http://web.me.com/mwsmith100/spring_2010/Angie.html > > But watch to see if she's being violent, and kicking them. > > > _Michael, Perino Ranch Blackbellies. > > > > On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 6:52 PM, Tom Quinn wrote: >> Hi All >> >> One of our young ewes just had twins. She is not accepting them and seems >> to have no milk >> >> I just cleaned them up and bottle fed them once with Advance all species >> formula--thats all I could find right now. >> >> I need suggestions bad! How often to feed? How much per feeding? How >> long? >> >> This is our first crop of lambs >> >> Thanks >> >> Tom Quinn >> >> ___ >> This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >> Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info >> > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding
Michael I put the 3 of them in a really small pen, but she was butting the lambs out of the way, and it was getting dark. I will keep them in the house tonight, and try again in the morning -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Michael Smith Sent: Monday, August 02, 2010 8:47 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding If you can get the ewe to hang in a VERY small pen with the babies, I bet, within a few hours, she will start feeding them. http://web.me.com/mwsmith100/spring_2010/Angie.html But watch to see if she's being violent, and kicking them. _Michael, Perino Ranch Blackbellies. On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 6:52 PM, Tom Quinn wrote: > Hi All > > One of our young ewes just had twins. She is not accepting them and seems > to have no milk > > I just cleaned them up and bottle fed them once with Advance all species > formula--thats all I could find right now. > > I need suggestions bad! How often to feed? How much per feeding? How > long? > > This is our first crop of lambs > > Thanks > > Tom Quinn > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Help: Need info on bottle feeding
Hi All One of our young ewes just had twins. She is not accepting them and seems to have no milk I just cleaned them up and bottle fed them once with Advance all species formula--thats all I could find right now. I need suggestions bad! How often to feed? How much per feeding? How long? This is our first crop of lambs Thanks Tom Quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Also new here:)
Welcome to the list. You will find this a great resource, with many really helpful people. I've been at this for just a year, and have 5 ABB ewes, as well as 2 rams and 5 assorted wooly sheep. I work Border Collies, and found that mixing in a group of calmer woolies makes it easier to break the ABB ewes. Just getting ready for our first crop of lambs, and then hope to build and maintain a small herd of workable sheep. The Abb's respond well to lots of handling and attention. Tom Quinn - Original Message - From: "Tashia Lund" To: Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2010 08:08 Subject: [Blackbelly] Also new here:) > Hi everyone, > > I am also new here. I have been working towards my dream of a small farm > it seems like forever. We started on 1/2 acre with our stockdogs and for > training them we used Indian Runners. But I really wanted the sheep and > land:) > > So last Dec. 31 we bought our 10 acre farmstead. I saw ABBs a couple of > years ago and did a lot of research and they have always been up my ally. > We are in the process of putting up 5 strand electric for our outer fence > line. Plus field fencing on the training fields. We will have 150 x 150 > training pasture, 150 x 300 training pasture, a round pen, and 350 pasture > where we can practice blind outruns. > > We plan on improving the pasture and using rotational grazing. We are > adding pygmy goats this year and will be having welsh harlequin ducking > next year, plust hopfully I will be able to add the ABBs next year. > > Boy did one demo I saw when I was 13 years old really started a whole new > life:) Border Collies, ABBs, Pygmy goats, and welsh harlequins. > > Have a great day everyone and thank you for the wonderful information you > post. > > Are there any ABB breeders in MN, SD, WI, or IA? > > Tashia Lund > Eclipse Border Collies > 955 Highway 81 NE > Cummings ND 58223-9552 > www.eclipsebordercollies.com > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Alfalfa for sheep?
Thanks: That improves my options Tom -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Dave Andrus Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2010 6:50 AM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Alfalfa for sheep? Best tasting Lamb I ever had was raised on alfalfa in my own back yard! Dave Kathy Shannon wrote: >They love and thrive on alfalfa, ours prefer it. > >-Original Message- >From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info >[mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info] On Behalf Of Nancy & >Tom Richardson >Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 6:18 PM >To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info >Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Alfalfa for sheep? > >alfalafa / orchard is what we always feed. No problems. Just stinks if it >gets wet and gets flies really going! Nancy >----- Original Message - >From: "Tom Quinn" >To: >Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 20:11 >Subject: [Blackbelly] Alfalfa for sheep? > > >>I am concerned that i am going to run out of hay this year, and will have >>to >> buy some. >> >> Any problems feeding alfalfa to bb's? >> >> Normally I feed hay, salt and water >> >> Tom Quinn >> >> ___ >> This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >> Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info >> > >___ >This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > >___ >This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Alfalfa for sheep?
I am concerned that i am going to run out of hay this year, and will have to buy some. Any problems feeding alfalfa to bb's? Normally I feed hay, salt and water Tom Quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Electric Net Fencing
Mary OK, It sounds like electronet is not a good ides, especially since I am still trying to develop some dog broke sheep. Tom -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Mary Swindell Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 6:22 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Electric Net Fencing Tom, I have used electronet with step in posts for interior fencing. I bought the taller version (42 inches) for my blackbelly sheep. It came from Premier Fencing, and I think they called the taller version "Electrostop". The big thing to watch out for, any time when using electronet fencing is that you must always keep it on if sheep are in the area. This is because if you keep it off part time, they will start to play in it, and can get tangled in it and even strangle themselves if left alone long enough. And I have used it to fence a 100 x 200 herding practice area. My border collies were gentle, fully trained dogs who would not rush the sheep near a fence. But I wouldn't recommend it for training young, inexperienced dogs, as the young dogs could push the sheep right through the electronet fence in their enthusiasm, and you could end up with a big tangled mess. Because I have herding clinics here where visiting dogs come to train, I ended up replacing my electronet fencing in the 100 x 200 area with combination cattle panel (rigid 16-foot sections, 4.5 feet tall, with smaller openings near the bottom like the shorter hog panel). The cattle panel is strong enough to withstand the pressures of working sheep with dogs and is better suited for that situation. I also have about four 160-foot rolls the tall electronet fencing that I will probably never take the time to fix, as they have big holes in them where I had to cut out tangled sheep (duh, I learned the hard way not to turn my electronet fencing off, ha ha!) They are available cheap to someone who wants to weave in repair pieces! Mary Swindell At 05:01 PM 5/2/2010, you wrote: >Message: 1 >Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 15:43:50 -0600 >From: "Tom Quinn" >To: >Subject: [Blackbelly] Possible temporary fences for herding? >Message-ID: >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > >I have just finished a new corral for my sheep. Next I plan to build a >training pen to work the Border Collies. >Until I get the permanent pen finished, I wonder if anyone has any >experience with temporary fencing for this purpose? >I was thinking about something like electrified net with step in posts; size >maybe 30 x 50 or bigger. > >I would appreciate comments > >Tom Quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Sheepdog Trainer near Denver
Dave: Cappy Pruett is located in Ft Morgan. I have attended several of his clinics www.cappypruett.com Ton Quinn -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Dave Andrus Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 8:02 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Training pen Carla, does your boyfriend know anyone. In the Denver Colorado area who trains Austrailan sheep dogs...or any one on the list for that material? I have a great one year old who IA just itching to heard but I would like to start her correctly. Carla Amonson wrote: >Not that I an an expert in the area, and this is only my opinion, but that does not sound good to me. >My boyfriend trains collies on a semi-professional basis and never uses a pen to train any dogs, they are always started in a 3 acre pasture. If you have a dog that runs the sheep I to the fence and they get caugt in it...and they will do that, especially young ones. Anyhow, I would recommend that you do some research and find a reputable trainer in your area and take some lessons or at the very least, there are some good books and videos out there on training collies. >Anyhow, 30 x 50 would be way too small to train anything, a round pen is 60' diameter and that is too small. It is not even enough room for a dog to get around the sheep. Another thought, that dog goes against the fence once and gets bumped into it, you will never get them to go against any fence again, and that is something that you need a dog to do. >Remember, just my opinion. > > >Carla Amonson >Sent from my iPhone > > >___ >This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list >Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Possible temporary fences for herding?
I have just finished a new corral for my sheep. Next I plan to build a training pen to work the Border Collies. Until I get the permanent pen finished, I wonder if anyone has any experience with temporary fencing for this purpose? I was thinking about something like electrified net with step in posts; size maybe 30 x 50 or bigger. I would appreciate comments Tom Quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Bent legged lamb
Beth I have been following this thread, and a light came on. Remember a month ago, I discussed my Ram going lame. Now, he has improved a lot since then. Snowpack finally melted, and it is warming up. But, could a mineral deficiency be a factor here? I feed hay, and keep a salt block available. Is there any downside to giving him a shot of BO SE?? Where can I get it? Tom -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of GARLAND STAMPER Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 11:24 AM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Bent legged lamb Jules, To add to what Garland posted, if you give Annie a shot of Bo-Se and there is remarkable improvement...then she was suffering from White Muscle disease which is caused by a lack of selenium. This shows up in varying degrees of hind leg/back end weakness or paralysis. To prevent this from happening in the future you might consider giving your pregnant ewes a shot of the Bo-Se (1.25ccs) about a month before they lamb. We did that this year and no one had any problems. Our little Julie Also...is doing really well. Many of the western states, are low in soil selenium, therefore, the hay is lacking also. Let us know how this turns out. It's good to share successes as well as losses in this animal raising adventure. Beth in Oregon ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Tom Quinn's Lame Ram
Hi All: Wow! what a great response I checked his hoof, and it is clean, and does not smell bad. Manipulated all his joints again, and he doesnt show any pain. I have some PHENYLBUTAZONE powder that we were giving to a lame horse to relieve pain. Would it make sense to try some of that? Tom -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of Nancy & Tom Richardson Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 2:33 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Tom Quinn's Lame Ram Be careful with the foot vax vac. A guy at pipestone told us to inject on the chest and it left a knot which absessed eventually and left a permant knot then. Nancy - Original Message - From: "Mary Swindell" To: Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 11:40 Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Tom Quinn's Lame Ram > Hi Tom, > > As Beth Stamper said, if you're pretty sure he doesn't have a sprain or a > fracture in his leg, then check his hoof. Lift his leg so that you can > see the bottom of his hoof. Then get down close and SMELL the bottom of > the hoof. Careful, as they can suddenly kick pretty strongly when their > hoof is turned up like that. Sometimes it helps to have a second person > hold the leg steady while you get your face close to the hoof. If it has > a musty, muddy smell, it is usually nothing serious. Could be foot scald, > or just lameness from getting a pebble, a stick or dried mud/hay in > between his toes, or badly needing trimming. > > But if it has a rotten egg smell (very strong rotten smell) you may have > foot rot, which is more serious and highly infectious to your other > animals. Foot rot can be brought in to a clean flock with the arrival of > new animals, or can even be brought in on the shoes of visiting people or > the feet of dogs which come from farms with infected flocks. > > Curing foot rot requires a dedicated regimen of trimming, soaking the feet > in some sort of drying agent (zinc sulphate is the best solution in my > opinion), giving injections of foot rot vaccination, keeping the treated > and cured sheep on clean ground, and finally, culling those that recurr in > spite of your good efforts. > > More often than not, it is nothing that serious. Good luck, and I hope > his lameness will be gone shortly! > > Mary Swindell > > > At 06:01 PM 3/12/2010, you wrote: > >>Message: 4 >>Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:43:34 -0700 >>From: "Tom Quinn" >>To: >>Subject: [Blackbelly] Lame Ram >>Message-ID: >>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >> >> >>My Ram came up lame a couple of weeks ago. He is not putting any weight >>on >>his left rear hoof. I have manipulated all the joints and muscles, and >>nothing seems to cause him any pain. Otherwise, he is young and healthy, >>and eats well. Any Ideas? >> >>Tom quinn >> >>Message: 5 >>Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:49:26 -0800 >>From: "GARLAND STAMPER" >>To: >>Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Lame Ram >>Message-ID: >>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >>Tom, >> >>Check his hoof...are there an breaks or tears?? How about between his >>toes?? Sometimes mud gets packed in there and blocks the glands in >>between >>toes. >> >>If his legs structures are ok...maybe he just pulled muscles or tendons?? >> >>Let us know if you figure it out. >> >>Beth in OR > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Lame Ram
-Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 4:01 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Blackbelly Digest, Vol 6, Issue 42 Send Blackbelly mailing list submissions to blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.i nfo or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info You can reach the person managing the list at blackbelly-ow...@lists.blackbellysheep.info When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Blackbelly digest..." Today's Topics: -- My Ram came up lame a couple of weeks ago. He is not putting any weight on his left rear hoof. I have manipulated all the joints and muscles, and nothing seems to cause him any pain. Otherwise, he is young and healthy, and eats well. Any Ideas? Tom quinn > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info -- ___ This daily digest is from the Blackbelly mailing list. Visit this list's home page at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info/ End of Blackbelly Digest, Vol 6, Issue 42 * ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] selecting sheep for herding
group, and combine it with 2 other sheep. The "trained" sheep will make this new group tend to work better, almost from the start. Slowly cycle through your entire group of ABB ewes this way, using those that have been "trained" in combination with one or two untrained sheep to help things go smoothly with the new group. Within a short time you will have trained your whole group. By the way, this use of a core group of "trained" sheep to help teach the other sheep, really works well to teach a large group of sheep to go through a narrow working chute, or to jump into a stock trailer, or to go up a ramp, or any other difficult task. The first group always takes the most time. Then the later groups seem to learn quickly (the secret is they've got a trained leader in each later group). Tom, I hope this helps! Mary Swindell At 05:01 PM 1/17/2010, you wrote: >Message: 6 >Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:51:56 -0700 >From: "Tom Quinn" >To: >Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Selection for herding >Message-ID: >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > > >-Original Message- >From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info >[mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of >blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info >Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 4:01 PM >To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info >Subject: Blackbelly Digest, Vol 6, Issue 8 > >Send Blackbelly mailing list submissions to > blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info > >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbelly >sheep.info > >or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info > >You can reach the person managing the list at > blackbelly-ow...@lists.blackbellysheep.info > >When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >than "Re: Contents of Blackbelly digest..." > > >I currently have 5 ABB ewes and 7 wooly lambs. I'm also getting ready to >acquire a ram. >I noticed Mary Swindell's comment on herding, and am curious how to select >from my small flock to work with my herding dogs. The ewes are pretty >aggressive, and it is almost impossible to get a dog behind the whole flock >to get them out of a corner. >Tom Quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Selection for herding
-Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 4:01 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Blackbelly Digest, Vol 6, Issue 8 Send Blackbelly mailing list submissions to blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbelly sheep.info or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info You can reach the person managing the list at blackbelly-ow...@lists.blackbellysheep.info When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Blackbelly digest..." I currently have 5 ABB ewes and 7 wooly lambs. I'm also getting ready to acquire a ram. I noticed Mary Swindell's comment on herding, and am curious how to select from my small flock to work with my herding dogs. The ewes are pretty aggressive, and it is almost impossible to get a dog behind the whole flock to get them out of a corner. Tom Quinn Message: 1 Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:30:45 -0600 From: Mary Swindell To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] what to do about an aggressive ram? Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20100114171456.024b0...@siu.edu> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed I would like to add my comments concerning the aggressive ram question. First, there is something different about male sheep, whether they are rams or wethers. The boys just seem more curious and outgoing, from the time they are babies on through adulthood. Even my wethers (which I have often kept in large numbers as herding sheep, until they were several years old) have often seemed more curious and friendly than my ewes, and have had charming personalities. The ewes seem to always be more shy, from birth onward. ___ This daily digest is from the Blackbelly mailing list. Visit this list's home page at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info/ End of Blackbelly Digest, Vol 6, Issue 8 ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Welcome Dave
Dave: I am pretty new at Blackbellies also. Have 5BB ewes and some misc. wooly lambs. Located in Angel Fire NM, in the Sangre de Cristos, not far from the Colo border. You will find this digest a real help. Lots of info and helpful people. Tom Quinn -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 4:01 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Blackbelly Digest, Vol 5, Issue 176 Send Blackbelly mailing list submissions to blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbelly sheep.info or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info You can reach the person managing the list at blackbelly-ow...@lists.blackbellysheep.info When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Blackbelly digest..." Today's Topics: 1. welcome Dave (Crystal Wolf) 2. Re: welcome Dave (Dave Andrus) 3. Re: welcome Dave (GARLAND STAMPER) 4. Re: welcome Dave (Dave Andrus) -- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:53:04 -0600 From: "Crystal Wolf" To: "Blackbelly digest" Subject: [Blackbelly] welcome Dave Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original Dave, welcome to the blackbelly list. Lots of good information is shared here by breeders around the country. Enjoy and Happy holidays. Cathy LeapN' Lambs -- Message: 2 Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:40:39 -0700 From: "Dave Andrus" To: Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] welcome Dave Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=response Thanks for the welcome Crystal, I am a self admitted rookie at the agricultural life (three years and not my primary income) but love it and enjoy all my outside friends a bunch.. Dave - Original Message - From: "Crystal Wolf" To: "Blackbelly digest" Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 6:53 PM Subject: [Blackbelly] welcome Dave > Dave, welcome to the blackbelly list. Lots of good information is shared > here by breeders around the country. Enjoy and Happy holidays. > > Cathy > LeapN' Lambs > > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > > -- Message: 3 Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:02:16 -0800 From: "GARLAND STAMPER" To: Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] welcome Dave Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Hello Dave, Welcome! Lots of info and experienced folks here. Where are you located?? We raise Am. Blackbellies in the high desert of central OR. Beth Sierra Luna Powell Butte, OR -- Message: 4 Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:11:06 -0700 From: "Dave Andrus" To: Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] welcome Dave Message-ID: <73c74c8accf04f26b38ea6889f218...@sharolyn> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=response Hello Beth,. Thanks for the welcome, I am on the high (about 5350 ft above seal level) plains of Colorado about 45 minutes east of Denver. My primary interest in black bellies is to have hair sheep to either add to my existing flock (of two years) or replace my wool sheep. While I love the five I have now (Miss Priss, Grandma, Two-Two, Bonnie and the feisty but sweet ram Yukon) shearing is a tough job. Freezer lamb is a favorite of ours and taking care of the sheep is a great therapy. Have you raised any other type of sheep? Dave - Original Message - From: "GARLAND STAMPER" To: Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 8:02 PM Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] welcome Dave > Hello Dave, > > Welcome! Lots of info and experienced folks here. Where are you > located?? > > We raise Am. Blackbellies in the high desert of central OR. > > Beth > Sierra Luna Powell Butte, OR > ___ > This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list > Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info > -- ___ This daily digest is from the Blackbelly mailing list. Visit this list's home page at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info/ End of Blackbelly Digest, Vol 5, Issue 176 ** ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Newbie with questions on winter feed
I fed my Blackbelly ewes on hay and pasture all summer. Now that it is winter here in the mountains, should I use any mineral or other supplement to hay? Tom Quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
Re: [Blackbelly] Newbie needs info on rams
Thanks for the responses. I would be interested in pictures of any rams that are available. We are in Northern NM, about 25 miles from Taos Also interested in the price range for rams. Tom Quinn -Original Message- From: blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info [mailto:blackbelly-boun...@lists.blackbellysheep.info]on Behalf Of blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:01 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Blackbelly Digest, Vol 5, Issue 132 Send Blackbelly mailing list submissions to blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbelly sheep.info or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to blackbelly-requ...@lists.blackbellysheep.info You can reach the person managing the list at blackbelly-ow...@lists.blackbellysheep.info When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Blackbelly digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Newbie needs info on rams (Tom Quinn) 2. Re: Newbie needs info on rams (GARLAND STAMPER) 3. Re: Newbie needs info on rams (Cecil Bearden) -- Message: 1 Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:06:48 -0600 From: "Tom Quinn" To: Subject: [Blackbelly] Newbie needs info on rams Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" I have 4 blackbelly ewes, and am now searching for a ram. My goal is to build a small Blackbelly flock for sustainable living, and to sell a few lambs for meat. We live in the mountains of northern New Mexico, so want to maintain the hardiness of the breed, and 100% grass feed, with bales. I would appreciate comments of what to look for in a ram, and what sort of price to anticipate. Tom Quinn -- Message: 2 Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:54:19 -0700 From: "GARLAND STAMPER" To: Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Newbie needs info on rams Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Hi Tom, Welcome!! Where do you live in NM?? We have a perfect ram for you...but unfortunately...we moved from NM and now live in central OR. I have raised a lot of rams and have decided that temperament is paramount, followed by conformation and size, followed by a strong libido! A bad tempered ram flat out dangerous. I have to interact with all of the sheep so I want a ram to be respectful of my space and not too friendly. Some are timid...others are more sociable...but they all must be respected for their power and instints. A breeding ram should be a really good example of his particular breed. He should look regal, masculine, have good horns (wide or tightly curled, depends on your preference), have a nice length of body and straight legs. His color and markings should be striking. He should have a good chest with some width between his front legs and have a strong loin. So...having said all of this...no ram is perfect but try to get the best one you can. Obviously...a good ram has to appeal to your girls, too!! So...look at as many rams as you can before you settle on one. You may go back to the first one...but it helps to see several to decide which one will work for your flock. I've had really good luck with raising weanling rams. A friend of mine has excellent success with a pair of twin, 6 yr old rams she practically rescued...so there are no set rules in finding a good breeding animal. If you are near a blackbelly breeder, that might be a good option. Good luck and let us know how you do in your search. Beth Stamper Sierra Luna Am. Blackbelly Sheep Powell Butte, OR -- Message: 3 Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:45:35 -0500 From: Cecil Bearden To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Newbie needs info on rams Message-ID: <4ac47a3f.8050...@copper.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Welcome to our group! If you cannot find what you are looking for in NM, I am reducing my flock here in Central OK. I have a good looking 1 1/2yr old ram that was a bottle baby tha might fit your needs. I definitely agree on having good temperament. My rams are like dogs, in fact they stay in the yard with the dogs. I also have about 100 ewes for sale. Cecil Bearden, OK -- ___ This daily digest is from the Blackbelly mailing list. Visit this list's home page at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info/ End of Blackbelly Digest, Vol 5, Issue 132 ** ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
[Blackbelly] Newbie needs info on rams
I have 4 blackbelly ewes, and am now searching for a ram. My goal is to build a small Blackbelly flock for sustainable living, and to sell a few lambs for meat. We live in the mountains of northern New Mexico, so want to maintain the hardiness of the breed, and 100% grass feed, with bales. I would appreciate comments of what to look for in a ram, and what sort of price to anticipate. Tom Quinn ___ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
