Entry for November 14, 2006
It was a successful weekend! After about 15 hours of hard work, and with the help of a couple friends there is a new sheep shelter in the front pasture. It still needs some finishing, but it's functional, and will give the half grown lambs shelter from the rain, snow and wind. Icelandic sheep really don't seem to mind the snow much, but after they've been shorn they need a place out of the rain and wind until their fleeces grow a couple inches.
I learned that the people who have told me that trimming hoofs is a two person job are right! This is the first time I've had help available, and it made all the difference in the world. Having one person sit the sheep on it's tail and hold it with it's back against their legs made trimming those four feet almost easy! We moved the half grown lambs into the pasture with the new shelter, trimming feet before we turned them loose. They will stay there for the winter.
Next weekend's chores include worming, shots, and trimming the hoofs on the rest of the flock! It would sure be nice if my helper was able to come over again! My rams are a year and a half old now, and are getting pretty large. They are NOT going to be impressed with having their feet handled. I'm guessing they will put up quite a fight!
Sondra
