This past weekend the sheep were sheared! This is an ordeal that takes just a few minutes for each sheep, but definitely requires a skilled sheep shearer with the appropriate equipment. We are very lucky that Daryll Ruffolo comes out to shear the sheep every year, because he understands the special needs of the Babydoll sheep! We started with Robert Bruce, who was a very naughty sheep and kept trying to kick Daryll while he was being sheared. We discovered that he had a little skin issue, but … [Read more...]
What about Bob (the Sheep)?
Last week we received a phone call about a baby lamb who had been attacked by a dog. His leg was cut and his tail was completely degloved. The owners were concerned because they were not in a position to continue to pay for his vet bills, plus they did not feel they would be able to clean and wrap his wounds on a daily basis. He is only six months old and is a babydoll sheep, which is the same breed as the three already at Hanaeleh. Usually when people call us about taking farm animals, we often … [Read more...]
Sheep Shearing
The sheep were sheared this weekend! It is not as simple as just shaving the sheep as it is with clipping a horse- sheep shearing requires special training and specialized equipment. There are even special shoes that sheep shearers will wear! We are very lucky to have the man who used to be in charge of the Mission Viejo High School Agricultural Program available to come out and shear the sheep- he was the person who was in charge of the babydoll sheep breeding program there, and helped with … [Read more...]
Sheep Loading
How to teach your sheep to load and unload: … [Read more...]