The first five were pretty easy to catch and move. Some even got to ride with my big boy in the back of my SUV. The last two were the hold outs.... They refused to go into the catch pen no matter what! If they did go in, they ran right back out as quickly as possible! They didn't want any part of a new, cozy shed and ice free water! So Hired Man Jim and I headed out this morning with a plan. We set up a temporary fence that was in the shape of a funnel that went to the catch pen. Sort of like they used to build to trap wild horses. Once that was set up, we were able to run them in there and shut that gate. Then it was my job to put a rope on them to lead them to their new home across the farm. I found it was easiest to catch them after they jumped into their water trough in the corner of the pen. Then I had nice, muddy, soggy, ticked off sheep on a rope.....
I'll bet you all are wondering why I didn't just herd them across the farm to the new pen.... Well let me try to explain. I have seven lambs left. They are all young and not very bright. The minute a person tries to herd them anywhere, they scatter like ping pong balls on a concrete floor. Like my Grandpa says, "It's like trying to drive a pig on ice." Ain't gonna happen. So they either got to ride in the car, or they got a little lesson on how to walk on a leash. The hand walking was more like a lamb rodeo than a stroll. Jumping, running, laying down refusing to cooperate really at all. So we sort of lead....drive.... drag them along until we reach our destination. Quite a work out for us and the sheep!
At least we were successful. The sheep are tucked in nice and cozy. The alpacas and horses have a nice warm barn and Prairie Granny gave them all hay. The calves are munching their hay under their lean to. The chickens have their heat lamps, heated waterers and plenty of layer mash to keep them happy. We are ready for this first, December storm..... Now it's time to drink my coffee and eat some pumpkin pie.
Bye for now,
PB
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