Our spring maintenance was today. We caught 20 sheep. Each one went on the stand and had their hooves trimmed. Their body condition, fleece and conjunctiva color were assessed. And they each had a copper bolus given. The photo is of Harlen getting his maintenance with the remaining sheep watching. They each did get a nibble of grain for their trouble.
Generally their conditions were as expected as were their hooves. They all had excellent color. But the disappointment was their wool quality. It has definitely gone downhill due to their aging. So that is sad but the fact that they appear healthy is good news.
It hadn’t occurred to me, that a sheep’s wool quality would go down as they age. Silly me! My own hair quality should have clued me in!
Do you plan to increase your flock with younger sheep?
It happens to the best of us. We are trying to downsize our animal numbers as e are aging. And since our sheep live about 15 years we stopped breeding a while ago. So I will get less and less wool as time goes on. I will need to stock up[ for my retirement.
I understand! It does make it difficult for you, though. What’s the age of your older sheep?
I’m sorry that your yarn quality won’t be as good….
My oldest just turned 14. Maybe it won’t be as bad as I think when we get the wool of of them and I can look at it better.