| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 22 2014 : 4:55:28 PM
O. K. So what happens if you bred a Guernsey Cow to a Jersey Bull? Would you be defeating the purpose of keeping a good genetic bloodline? Would the result be to display the worst or the best? Could the animal even be registered? Could a small bull mount a larger cow? So many things to consider.
Thoughts anyone? |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| CloversMum |
Posted - Nov 29 2014 : 9:57:11 PM
Great...with you and Ron "baaaing" at me...I can only imagine what is in store for me after next September! And, I do think our set up with goats could work with sheep...only that I need way more pasture fenced in for my goats. Cows are so much easier on fences! Or at least the fences are simpler for the cows. But each animal must serve a purpose here on our farm...they need to contribute in some manner, preferably feeding our family in some way. |
| farmlife |
Posted - Nov 29 2014 : 09:25:06 AM
I agree about the chickens, Charlene. I will always have a mixed flock, but there are certain breeds I won't purposely add in again. There are others that I would really like to try still. (Dating with purpose again.) If you like spinning wool then it seems like a lot of your infrastructure for goats would work for sheep as well. Think it over and see what your life looks like after September 4th and then decide.  |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 29 2014 : 06:23:19 AM
Baaaaaaaa |
| CloversMum |
Posted - Nov 28 2014 : 7:25:12 PM
I like what MaryJane said...we are definitely in the mode of still "dating" different animals...although as we encourage our children to only "date with a purpose" that is also what we are trying to do with our farm animals. At the moment, I need to concentrate on my Clover and my goats. I love all of them and they do give me great joy. I liked your perspective, Keeley, about the animals still giving us joy and not just work. We also have gotten many different kinds of chickens...I too know what varieties I prefer and I wouldn't have known beforehand. But I also know that I like to see a variety of kinds of chickens...different colors and feathers running about.
So, I'm not ruling out sheep completely, but just postponing it right now. |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 28 2014 : 04:29:23 AM
I guess that's the best approach. the un sung heroes! Them that hold their tongue for the sake of family harmony. You are a jewel for sure.
But thank you keep your free horse! :) |
| farmlife |
Posted - Nov 27 2014 : 9:13:22 PM
It's actually his step mom, so I am doing exactly what you said. I step back and smile, and bite my tongue a lot. |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 26 2014 : 12:10:39 PM
Best way to approach it is smile"............ And of course let your husband explain it to His Mom. :) |
| farmlife |
Posted - Nov 26 2014 : 11:42:34 AM
Exactly and pay all the vet bills when it hurts itself on the icy pasture, etc. I am more than willing to go the extra mile for my own adventures, but I say if you buy 3 horses, take care of them yourself. She doesn't understand why I don't want a "free" horse. |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 26 2014 : 05:31:46 AM
You're kidding, right? I am speechless. Like board my horse in the winter for free. |
| farmlife |
Posted - Nov 26 2014 : 05:28:12 AM
My mother-in-law keeps wanting to "give" us a horse. Here's her plan. They currently have 3 horses, which is apparently one too many for a retired person to take care of in the winter. (Apparently it is not too much for a busy family of 5 where both parents work, part time in my case.) They would like to "give" us one horse from September until April and then they want it back to have for the spring/summer months. Here's the catch. They want it back in perfect riding condition after we have worked with it all winter. It is a perfectly wonderful horse, but I already have two dogs that eat like horses and I ask you, what would a horse provide for my family? Hmmm. No horse for us. Milk cow instead. |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 26 2014 : 05:01:06 AM
Yes! Common sense and good judgement out the window I say! Give me more animals!
Actually I do have my eye on another cow in the future! And more than likely a couple of sheep. No horse though. Went down that road and just never used him. Too bad also. It was a great working horse. |
| farmlife |
Posted - Nov 26 2014 : 04:53:17 AM
I like your dating site as well, Ron. I bet you will be able to find a good match there! Who needs sense? |
| NellieBelle |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 8:39:28 PM
Funny Ron. I can't even imagine what it would be like without our animals. It just wouldn't be the same. We have are pets but not much more and they have been with us so long it would be so strange if they weren't here. They are part of our daily routine, part of our lives each and every day. Most of them grew up with Colton, and when you spend time with them everyday, their family, no doubt about it. Chickens and rabbits are about the only turn over here. I will admit the outdoor cats can be overwhelming at times, but even they come and go. Rest are family. Don't see any additions coming our way other than the usual calf deliveries. Other than that status quo. |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 8:05:45 PM
Actually I have slated two goats for the place. Found this really cool dating site! It's called. WW.iwantmoreanimalsthanihavesensedotcom. |
| farmlife |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 8:00:55 PM
You forgot about the goats, Ron! How many goats are you getting again? |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 6:05:57 PM
I hate the voice of common sense and reason. Lol..but sounds like pretty darn good advice for sure! ( how many sheep do I want again ) |
| farmlife |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 4:25:25 PM
I think it's just a case of knowing what you can take on, Charlene. At what point does it start to feel like too much work and not enough enjoyment? For me personally, goats and sheep aren't on the agenda. We are not fenced for them and it would not be fun logistically, although I do have that patch of thistle that needs consumed.
Since I fell in love with the calves this spring, I decided to get a milk cow after copious amounts of research. Do I still have tons to learn? Yes! But now I'm at the point of learning by doing. I'm with MaryJane on the dating, though. Out of the 18 chickens we have several different varieties and we did it on purpose to find out what we like. I will never purposely have Speckled Sussex chickens again. I also learned I don't like New Hampshires either. Just a personal preference. Sometimes you don't know unless you do it, but I understand not wanting to do it at the expense of the animals or your own peace of mind. Maybe you can just buy some wool to find out if you like spinning and decide on sheep from there. |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 10:44:02 AM
Lol..I love it . Not dating diffrent animals.mi would have agree with MJ. Too many can be overwhelming. I do like my Cows above all else. I would not mind a couple of sheep cruising around more on account than other than shearing twice a year I did not have to do much with them. They grazed and layer around.
I would probably say if you want wool, just maybe buy some to experiment with. |
| maryjane |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 09:08:41 AM
It's probably different for everyone but in looking back I realize that I was essentially experimenting in the beginning to find what animals fit me (and my family). Because how do you know that until you REALLY experience certain animals? I brought home horses, goats, raised pigs, adopted two adult Great Pyrenees, a border collie, raised every breed of chicken, rabbits, Dexter, Shorthorn, and Angus.
Once I started to expand my Jersey herd past just one cow, I knew beyond a doubt it was the perfect fit for me. My horses made me feel guilty because I didn't ride them enough (murderous hip displacement on long rides not to mention they served no purpose other than I liked them), the goats weren't adequately fenced in like yours are Charlene, so we had lots of craziness--clothes eaten off the line, dented trucks, fruit trees demolished, you know, all the usual goat antics. The Great Pyrenees barked (did their job) all night (not a fit for B&B guests--had to use bark collars on them--not so fun). Anyway, my Jerseys aren't verbal to speak of, and they FEED us big-time. They smell good. (I just never got use to the unique smell of pig manure.) I have only one breed of chicken I like, Buff Orpingtons, and now Jasper, the perfect cat. Oh, and I even had a sweet female canary for a few years that actually sang (females aren't supposed to sing). I've found my calling now, and it's Jerseys. That's it. Jerseys. Jasper. Buff Ors (and no roosters). And then because of my Jerseys I can put time into cheese, cheese, and more cheese (I want to start experimenting with more exotic cheeses soon). It's nice not to be "dating" different animals any more:) |
| CloversMum |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 08:29:02 AM
Actually what I really need is a whole bunch more time to explore everything that I want!! But then I do have to stop and slow down to enjoy what I've been given and be ever so thankful. |
| CloversMum |
Posted - Nov 25 2014 : 08:27:50 AM
So...as Ron has been so kind as to put sheep into my head! I have been thinking here and wondering, how can a person adequately give care to a variety of species? I mean when I first started with goats, my head was spinning and just now five years later I can kind-of know what I'm doing or at least know when to cry out for help to my vet-sister. I can tell you how long a pregnancy is, when & how to trim hooves, vaccines/worming schedule, etc. Now, with Clover, my learning curve is fairly steep but I am noticing a few basics do cross over. Would it be the same for sheep? Or can a person spread themselves too thin and not give quality care to their farm animals. I really strive for the best care possible (ok a bit fanatical at times) but my stack of reading keeps getting taller and I just keep realizing how much I truly do not know and is it fair to my animals?
MaryJane has really concentrated on cows and look at what a great herd she has developed! I guess my basic question is: should a person become kind-of good at lots of animals or really good with just a specific breed? Thoughts or advice? |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 24 2014 : 9:25:16 PM
Without saying! :) |
| CloversMum |
Posted - Nov 24 2014 : 7:40:38 PM
With cream in the coffee, of course!! |
| Ron |
Posted - Nov 24 2014 : 1:21:09 PM
Feet up, wood stove going, coffee in hand. ( sheep nibbling close by. Lol ) |
| CloversMum |
Posted - Nov 24 2014 : 12:52:57 PM
Room to sit & watch in a barn is a must! |
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