frisbeegirl Posted July 30, 2012 Report Share Posted July 30, 2012 Hello, Was hoping I could get some feedback on if I am moving in the right direction by reading Storey's Guide to Raising sheep. And when is a good time of year to purchase them. I am in the Northeast and can have some nasty winters. My soil is great in the pasture I am planning to use. Will start with less and see how things go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted July 30, 2012 Report Share Posted July 30, 2012 Given the lack of rain you could probably find wsheep fairly cheap right now. J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted July 31, 2012 Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 I was wondering the same about Storey's Guide To Raising Dairy Goats. I talked at length with a woman who has a small dairy goat operation at the local farm fair last week and got her telephone number, but I forgot to mention the book. Not sure if a farm fair would be considered the best venue for finding breeders, but this particular breeder was certainly informative and enthusiastic about discussing her goats; no sales pitch either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommaLove Posted July 31, 2012 Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 I don't have Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep, but I do have their guide to raising dairy goats, which has come in handy several times over the last few years. Their books are generally pretty good with sound advice. Hooray for getting sheep! Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gideon's girl Posted July 31, 2012 Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 I've got Storey's Guide to Raising Horses and I think they are pretty thorough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted July 31, 2012 Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 I like Storey's Guide, but I like Ron Parker's Sheep Book even better. And you can get it online for free, though I wouldn't be without my hard copy. If you Google his name and "sheep book" you'll find it. The thing about any livestock is that books are helpful, but an experienced mentor is even better. I was lucky to have as a near neighbor someone who has raised sheep for more than 60 years. His experience and knowledge (freely given when asked) was a godsend. J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisbeegirl Posted July 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 Yes Julie, I will speak to the local sheep farmers here. There are quite a few that will help me. I have grown up with horses my whole life. Sheep, now thats something new. Thanks Mommalove very excited. Keeva treats my horses like REALLY BIG SHEEP. (Don't worry this activity is monitored.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toney Posted July 31, 2012 Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 You might not want to monitor your dog's behavior around horses as much as curtail it. Not just for his safety, but it's embarrassing when a dog tries to lift the set out person's horse along with his sheep at a trial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisbeegirl Posted August 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 My BC doen not ever attempt to drive a horse when I am riding. She drops and watches. However,She likes to think she is moving them into another pasture for grazing. As horse owners know horses dont need to be moved into a fresh field of pasture, they do it all on their own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted August 1, 2012 Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 Letting her spend her time staring might not be helpful when it comes time to train her on other livestock, FWIW. J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisbeegirl Posted August 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 Not doing much riding these summer days with the heat. She doesn't spend much time looking at the horses. The previous post was regarding her behavior when I am on horseback. Now that the horses are older not doing any cross country like a few years ago. I don't minimize her time with the horses but if we spend 45 minutes a day with them that is alot. Julie, The fact that u mention staring may not be good, Are there any preliminary commands I can teach before the sheep come? I was just going to wait for that, until I actually have the sheep on my property. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisbeegirl Posted August 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 Either way I am learning so much about Sheep. Who would of thought ! I think I will finish Storey's guide before reading any others. Thanks for the suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denice Posted August 2, 2012 Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 There are a couple Universities that offer home study courses that are very informative. Univ of Wyoming and Univ of MN - Pipestone campus are the ones I did years ago when I was first getting into sheep. Cornell may have something as well. You can check out your local sheep assoc to see if they offer any educational opportunities. Denice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisbeegirl Posted August 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2012 Thanks Denice, My local Millbrook cooperative extension has loads of local information for me. I am educating myself. But am also very excited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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