Solar Powered

I purchased this(solar fencer with a 40 mile capacity).

Had my little field planted in a hay/pasture mix and purchased this(electro-net fencing).

So these ( my Jacob sheep)....

 could enjoy doing this......and hey, I like being off the grid and sticking it to Hydro One.

Happy Sheep

We are in the dog days of summer. Typically a lazy , warm time of year. Not for my dogs though , they have chores to help me with and trials to compete in. What this time really should be called is the "Sheep Days" of summer.

Most of my lambs have been weaned and moved on to their new homes. Their mothers can enjoy the rest of the season responsibility free, burdened only with the task of stuffing their faces. Nothing makes a sheep happier than stuffing its face in company of its favorite flock mates.

Happy Sheep.

Making Hay

No, you aren't looking at a photo of a tragic farm accident. Spinner is rolling with glee on our freshly mown hay field.

The hay has been cut, cured , baled and safely stashed in our little barn. All made possible by a small window of dry weather, my neighbours and my son Hayden.

Spinner can breathe easy for now. No trying to retrieve those pesky sheep out of 4 foot high grass. "Take a load off, little buddy".

Spinner Saves The Day

I was driving up my lane, returning from my neighbour's farm. I had been discussing with him about cutting my little hay field. The grass was 4 feet tall and it was do or die. The forecast was iffy but we couldn't wait any longer. Not only was the situation getting worrisome about the lack of hay to feed my livestock but the tall grass was inhibiting finishing fencing my new pasture as well.

Happily , I learned, another neighbor was already cutting the field across the road from me and would move to my little farm when he was done.

So when I got home I felt really good, the sun was shining, things were getting done. My little farm was looking great , my little flock was grazing......

Wait a minute.

 I saw that the Jacob ram lambs had managed to escape out of their electronet fenced pasture and stray into my hayfield. I went over to see if they would squeeze back under the netting. Instead my presence drew the attention of the adult ewes who proceeded to join their lambs by climbing over and crawling under the netting. That is until one ewe ,my son's lilac, freaky Jacob, got tangled up and stopped the procession. By now a third of my flock had disappeared in the long grass, while the rest were trying to climb over their tangled flock member to join them. I couldn't untangle the ewe because the fence was still on.  So I herded the remaining flock members into another area, turned off the fence and ran to get Spinner to help me find the rest of my flock.

With Spinner in tow, I first proceeded to untangle an unbelievable amount of netting wrapped around the lilac Jacob's horns. I had to sit on her in order to keep her still. Not an easy feat because I only out weigh her by about 20 or so pounds and 2 did I mention she is a freak?  Finally I got her free and Spinner expertly herded her towards the rest of the  flock. Now to find the missing sheep.

I sent Spinner out - I was telling him to find them, knowing that wasn't a command I had used before. Somehow he knew what I meant and raced ahead through the tall grass or at least it seemed that was what he was doing. Well after a bit, when I thought he wasn't going to find them, I suddenly saw a head and ear of one of my sheep pop up in front of him.  I gave him a clock-wise flank command , telling him to go out so he wouldn't startle the sheep before he gained control.  Spinner did just that. He calmly gathered the wayward sheep and fetched them to my feet. With me leading and him pushing from behind we brought the sheep back through the tall grass, back over the flattened netting and back into their more secure pen to join the rest of the flock.

With a satisfying clang of the gate I secured the runaways and gave my little Aussie, my knight in furry armour, a well deserved pat on the head.

Coming Along.........

Things are coming along on the farm.

Lambs are getting big.

My fencing for pasture/official trial arena, is getting done.

The baby RAPTORS are growing up.

Yep, things are coming along.......

Swimming Lessons

What...... Lake Harriston?

No, this is the result of major rainfall on my newly planted hay field.

Gander leads the goslings down to the water's edge.

He thinks it is a great opportunity for a swimming lesson.

 Oh , oh. Gander is distracted while goslings start engaging in unsafe water play.

Goose decides to "step in" and leads the goslings back to the shore.

Gander has been relieved from lifeguard duty -for now.

Parenting Gander Style

Our geese became parents on the weekend.

Gander takes fatherhood very seriously.

Being cute is very exhausting.

Oh, oh- Gander says no close ups.

But gosh they are cute.

Gander  goose - steps his family away from annoying photographer.

Work'n At The Dog Wash

Dirty Dog

 Cleaner Dog

Mr. Clean

Next!

Lamb Races

There is an activity that young lambs participate in. I know it isn't unique to my flock or even my breed of sheep but I believe my lambs do it with style. The activity I am referring to are the Lamb Races.

At certain times of the day, the lambs will silently communicate to each other to gather together at a specific spot. This gathering goes on right before the lamb's mothers- who openly choose to have the wool pulled over their eyes- and ears.

Once gathered in a group, a leader is selected to start the races. Again this process is all "hush, hush" I'm not sure why since nobody is watching or listening.....

The meeting place.

Slowly the lambs begin to gather.

Before long, the mob has collected.

Whoops! A false start.

Slightly embarassed, the lambs re-group.

Oh dear, another premature start.

In frustration some of the participants begin to drop out.

The excitement has been just too much for these two and a rest is required.

Guess that is it for the Lamb Races....or is it?

Can this be Spring?

Despite the weather's attempt to play cruel tricks, signs of spring are evident on the farm. Flowers are bravely poking through frozen soil, leaves are budding, the dogs are shedding and the lambs are frolicking.