We purchased 50 acres near the Turtle Mountains in 2007. The farm was mostly fenced in page wire so we decided to get a few sheep. As we added more to our flock the need for efficient facilities was imperative. We've since added an additional 30 acres that we're renting.
It didn't take us long to realize that some sort of chute was needed. Steve took an old auger crate and modified it to accommodate the sheep. The time it save us was unbelievable! We have since added a crowding tub, head-gate and scale along with extra lengths for the chute. It turns vaccinating and weighing into a one person job!
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It seems that the most skittish sheep will be your best friend when you're carrying a bucket of grain. This catwalk allows us to feed approximately 75 ewes in a matter of seconds instead of tripping over them as you wade through the masses to feed them in troughs!
Another benefit is the height allows you to observe the sheep for any sickness or injuries. Or just to enjoy them!
Another benefit is the height allows you to observe the sheep for any sickness or injuries. Or just to enjoy them!
Several years ago Steve built ten 5'x4' lambing pens. These are used for the ewes and lambs to bond. Some of the older, more experienced ewes don't spend any time in them, but the younger first and second timers do or those with triplets.
Now that our flock is up to 250 ewes we're finding that we need more pens! We lamb within 3 weeks and usually have over 40 first-timers, so we find these pens crucial.
Now that our flock is up to 250 ewes we're finding that we need more pens! We lamb within 3 weeks and usually have over 40 first-timers, so we find these pens crucial.
