Bill Flicks

Is it possible to search online locally for someone willing to 'rent' or trade you services? Or could you resell the ram for or near your initial purchase price when you were finished with him(I feel terrible typing that, hah)?

My rams(blackbellies) don't tend to make it 'up in age' before they're tabled or sold... but at 3 years, I found the meat to be absolutely palatable. With my sheep at least, I have been taught to 'cure' them in a cold environment in burlap for a week- but haven't actually tried it any other way. Not sure the impact that actually makes.

As for temperament... I would encourage you to spend some time at the site you are purchasing from(as opposed to a livestock auction unless that's your only option). Load yourself or be involved or at least present for the loading. I think you'll get a good judge of character that way. Also, I've never purchased a ram who was handled by the horns that I know of... I learned that with goats. If they aren't handled by the horns, they don't seem to see them as 'tools of communication'.

I'd also suggest keeping him in one of the paddocks separate from everyone/everything else for a while and visit him with treats a few times without and then with the kids to see how he's adjusting to his new environment.

I'm not a 'sheep' guy though... only been doing it a few years... Others with more experience will likely offer their guidance as well.

*edit* it seems from a quick google that they're naturally polled? But then I found a picture of a ram that wasn't... would your anticipated ram have horns?

Mine doesn't whine at all... though for a minute there, I wondered if you were just trying to trick me into getting my ear so close I got popped.

It clicks when it discharges... Is it possible it's a grounding issue? I have a 6' x 5/8" rod buried to the hilt and running #2 copper ground cable. Or could the electricity be 'off'? Neutral not bonded firmly or something to that effect?

Can't see the video but assuming you mean a high-voltage animal type e-fence.


**an afterthought... put some death metal on full blast through your headphones for 2 weeks. Shouldn't be bothered by the whine anymore.**

I neutered my male(I keep a M and F of the same breed).

His instincts and inclinations don't seem out of kilter, he didn't become overweight and if another dog comes around, he stands his ground(hers too).

On the 'permaculture' note- if we humans are responsible for the countless generations of breeding/inbreeding and manipulation of characteristics in these animals to get the traits we want... how are they really 'natural' at all?

I just can't see a minpin and a schitzu doing battle over a wild bologna plant on the side of the road.

I've been living with solar exclusively for 10 years... to Laura, I suggest a Kill-a-Watt meter($25-$35) and plug devices around your home into one for a few days or a week at a time. It will give you a good idea of how much power each item you actually have uses. Big thing I've found with solar- do with what you have until you can get more. There's no across the board formula that's going to be accurate in every situation- solar exposure varies(both by latitude and average cloudy days/year), not all panels degrade at a predictable rate, some batteries are better than others, wiring, inverters, distance- all contribute to inefficiencies. If I had to give simple advice to someone taking the plunge, it'd be two fold: A) take the plunge, B) assign a budget for your solar system and learn to live within it's constraints.

For what it's worth, I run a meager 1.2kw w/ 2250ah in battery(never use more than 30-40% and run an electric kitchen. I'm taking a break from the 100 degree heat with a window unit blaring on me and run power tools constantly.

To Ben: GOOD.

I KNOW systems like yours have a place... $25 does not seem too much at all- I really think it's low, particularly if it was a well-thought out how-to instead of the typical online 'downloadable pdf' or poorly photocopied/stapled packet. I worked for a company that handcrafted(garage level engineering) self-contained boat dock power systems that were approved by the Corps of Engineers, though much smaller. Built around quality components(Xantrex, Kyocera etc..) and ranged 85w to 260w incoming with only 450ah max in a lockable aluminum dock-mounted unit. Business was good until everyone that wanted one had it. They don't wear out fast, hah.

Too many positives- it's easily modular, could be built in a range of configurations(500w to 2000w or so?) and adjusted to compensate for solar insolation... Can be made very secure, etc... Only thing I'd offer- Stick with lead-acid deep cycles. I'm paying about $150 for t-105's these days but finally got an 8 battery bank of AGM's with similar specs to do the Pepsi Challenge with- they just don't take the punch. I'm fine checking and adding water as a monthly routine in exchange for the added 20% or so I can squeeze out during those long stretches of cloud cover come December(I never actually run them too low).

Cheers and BEST of luck.