Sheep Love
October 24th, 2013 · No Comments · Posted in farming
After killing off three of our sheep over the summer, I try to spend some quality time with our five remaining Friesian ewes. I check on them at least twice a day, climbing over the portable electric fencing to show some affection.
When we were mowing our terribly overgrown pastures in the heat of July and August, things were a little crazy. There was no way to visit with the animals for all the tall weeds in the fields. But now that we have green grass from tree line to tree line, I can actually sit down and commune with the animals.
Sheep are normally skittish. Seated, I pose a less threatening figure. Two of the sheep are gluttons for affection: they like to get close and be scratched behind the ears. One loves to rub its head against my leg. I’ve even convinced Charlotte, the alpha female in the group, that having her chin stroked isn’t such a bad thing. Pretty soon, we are all gathered round in a tight group, close enough that I can examine their eyes and gums for good blood circulation. Paleness in those areas indicates worms.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Enough with the old sheep jokes. I have an ulterior motive for drawing the sheep close to me: it gives our Jersey heifer, Emily, who’s grazing with the sheep these days, a chance to eat her bucket of twice-daily grain. Emily needs a high-protein ration while she’s growing. She gets a pound of local grain mixed with molasses morning and evening. The sheep will tackle her to get at her grain. I distract the ewes long enough for Emily to finish her snack unmolested.
Having buried too many sheep already, I’m always grateful to see them standing on all four legs in the pasture. Giving them some personal attention makes me feel a little less guilty.
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