The ewes I look after are having a time with soft feet and tenderness because of all the wonderful rain that has been falling daily …The grass is growing wonderfully! The sheep’ s feet have been as well. Good food! Great conditions and they are quiet soft!
So yesterday Kay and Kylee fixed up a temporary foot bath and chute. . The set up was good and the best they could do considering …but in practical terms it lacked substance.
I worked hard to convince the ewes that it was in their best interest to go in for a foot bath…I pushed and fussed and moved and and fussed! Finally with Kay’s help all the ewes got all 4 feet in.
Kay was beat as was I !
I slept well last night (and most of today!) as did Kay!
We have a new plan for the chute . This time it will be made out of permanent things…With a head gate and and a longer foot bath pan.
Now to build it and in time to treat feet again.
I was all business and Kay appreciated that! She said without me they would never have accomplished the job. My knowing away come bye there walk up and get out Kay said was invaluable!
Kay’s version: (she is much longer winded!)
Drover is a true working stock dog!
Got to brag on my Drover. We had to run the sheep thru a real foot bath today for the first time ever here at Maple Grove Farm… It was real work. Drover was a team member! He pulled his weight and then some! The sheep smelled the foot treatment and refused to go! We had quite a time of it. But Drover worked hard and made it happen. I must add he has never done this kind of real work before. (we have run sheep thru simulated foot baths in trials before)
We are treating the sheep because of the extreme wet conditions here. Feet are becoming soft and I do not want problems. So this is preventive. We are using a horse foot care product for wet conditions. Drover has drawn up plans for a real foot bath alley way with a head gate and made of wood not cattle panels…I like his design! much better than mine! 😉
No photos! but think large stinking mess! Lots of sweat. Some barking (dog swearing) some people yelling (never mind at who or the words) , sheep being helped thru the foot bath by me and Drover. I am tired and so is my good dog!
Drover is as fine a working dog as I will likely ever know! My Little Buddy you are the best! Hugs and Thanks for all your work!
