Wow! I can’t believe we have had Stella June and Vinnie for six weeks! The first few days were definitely a learning experience. The sheep were exactly two months old when we picked them up and had hardly ever been handled so making sure we earned their trust and that they were safe those first few days were our top priority. It took about 10 days for the sheep to learn that we weren’t the bad guys and that we would give them lots of treats and affection! Now they follow us around some, thinking we have treats!
I would say that the sheep differ from the kunekunes in the fact that if they are out grazing in the big pasture, they could really care less about you. If the pigs are out grazing and they see you, they will run as fast as their little legs will carry them to see if you have any treats. The sheep will come in when they need water and shade. When the sheep sit and chew their cud, that’s when we give them lots of affection and continue to gain their trust. Sometimes still, if we move too quickly, they will jump. We call Stella June, Startled June because she’s still a little jumpy sometimes.
We have fans in the barn for them on these hot Georgia days and, sometimes, I think the pigs love the fans more than the sheep! I was worried about the two different breeds of animals getting along but mostly everything has been very smooth. Except for our dogs. It has taken about this long for our dogs to realize that the sheep, along with the pigs, aren’t going anywhere and that they are a part of Elizabeth Acres too.
I will say that the sheep picked up on the nightly routine very well and very quickly. When it’s almost dark, they know to come in for their feed and lots of ear scratches, which they love.
I have fallen in love with Stella June and Vinnie and I think they have the most beautiful faces. I have learned to trim hooves and check for parasites (with a little help from our vet!) and have learned how to love even more. We can’t wait until the Fall and having them sheared and then sending the wool off for processing. I really want to learn how to process the wool ourselves one day. We are looking forward to cooler weather this Fall and getting ready for the next chapter here on the farm!
