Trimming sheep hooves.

I didn't actually know this when we got the sheep, but you are supposed to trim their hooves twice a year.

The first five sheep that we got from livestock auction were in relatively good shape, a bit of overgrowth but nothing too bad.

The additional six sheep we got from a local more recently were a different story. Hooves in very rough shape and some nasty infections. Several of them are limping. It looks like they haven't been properly maintained for years if ever.

With the help of a friend we did the best job we could to clean them up but some of them are struggling and we still have three cold, wet and nasty months ahead of us.

I'll be praying that their feet get better and we don't lost any sheep. Very disappointed with the lady who sold us these and have learned for next time to CHECK THE HOOVES of any more sheep we buy.

Why you should drink your milk RAW

Home sweet home

Gorgeous winter frost.

We are so blessed to live in such a wild and beautiful area.

Yesterday we added 6 new sheep to our flock. We now have 10 ewes and 1 ram. If our boy is doing his job properly they should all be pregnant by next month aiming for lambs to be birthed in March of next year.

That means God willing there will be 10 or so lambs ready for slaughter in September 2024.

This is our first major step towards self-sufficiency in meat. Lamb is delicious and small enough to slaughter and butcher yourself on your own property (unlike cattle which need to be transported to a slaughterhouse for processing).

10 lambs will fill our freezer (as well as friends and family) for quite some time, completely shielding us from rising food prices or shortages.

For an added bonus - can you spot our livestock guardian dog in the picture?