Archives for straw

Sunny Sunday Sheep & Donkeys

December 9, 2012 | 3 Comments

After two days of raw, dreary drizzle and fog, the sheep and donkeys were elated when I turned them out into the pasture this morning. The donkeys frolicked, bucked, tossed their heads and kicked up their heels in delight. I don't think they're use to having quite so much space for frisking and cavorting. The sixteen ewes who are their barn mates at the moment, were equally enthusiastic to have free run of the pasture. From the fence line they intently watched the donkey antics in the adjacent field. We are making strides with the donkey-sheep dynamic. Since the two
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Scored Straw!

January 7, 2011 | 8 Comments

I buy straw in bulk for bedding critters. Clean, dry, chaff-free straw is a precious as gold mid-winter when we go through tons of it. We go through tons+ in lambing season. Fresh, dry bedding is a must for keeping clean and healthy sheep (and for raising good wool). The stuff has to be trucked in dry weather, since the trailer isn't airtight. Usually this happens in December but this year there were glitches. Holly and I were getting anxious, down to our last 30 bales. The semi pulled in yesterday morning and we took half the load, stashing some in
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Morning Chores!

April 10, 2010 | 9 Comments

I've worked up quite an appetite before breakfast. Helped the guys stack 2 tons of straw that arrived first thing. Gorgeous, clean, honey golden bedding for my lambs. We go through at least 4 tons of it in a year. You should see the size of my compost pile. Crazy windy here today, feels just like March. All the windows are closed up to keep the barn warm. Holly spread extra straw while she cleaned pens today. Everyone looks content. I can't say how much I appreciate Holly's help at this time of year, when I have so many demands
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