Anne Ryan

In answer to a comment about the diversion to fencing...  the initial post didn’t state the use was for a building - just “posts,” which some of us assumed to be fence posts or posts such as my use for a grape arbor/pergola.   Eventually, it became evident, but not before some of us got fence posts on our minds.

(Also, the original post said something about drilling a three-FOOT hole in the log.  Maybe this could be edited/changed to what I assume should say three-INCH hole, to save future readers from scratching their heads over that as I initially did...)

In answer to the question about the perimeter fence I mentioned that used living trees except for a few fence posts to fill in gaps....  I took a picture of one of the trees, but don’t have access to it from this device.  A 2x4 was attached to the tree and all fencing was attached to the 2x4.  The trees were completely protected from the wires growing into them.  I have heard that if you use nails, the 2x4 can be pushed out as the tree grows, whereas screws would tend to hold the 2x4 in place, crushing it over time. I might even use a washer under the nail head to help the nail get pushed out rather than biting into the 2x4, but that’s just something I came up with on my own. I haven’t seen it done.

As far as animal fencing, I like the idea, mentioned above, of planting fast-growing trees to use as fence posts. A few years ago, I visited our local fence business (Wellscroft).  David, the owner, told me that they had put up a fence and only had to put in a few (maybe 2-4?) fence posts for the large field/pasture.  The rest of the fence posts were living trees. He told me where to go to see this fenced field, which I drove up the road to see. The suggestion above, to actually intentionally plant the trees that will eventually become your fence posts is very attractive to me.  Meanwhile, you could use the trees that are there, filling in with posts you know will be temporary, as needed.  

A few years ago, some friends used this product on their house boards: http://valhalco.com/.  I purchased some of the product to use for various projects, one of which is to replace my grape arbor which fell over several years ago, after about 10 years (pine and spruce poles just stuck in the ground). I need something that can be in direct contact with roots of edible plants.  I purchased 4”x4” hemlock, but haven’t treated them yet or assembled the arbor/pergola yet so I don’t have any personal experience, but you may find this product of interest.  Although it is mostly used on above-ground wood, if you look around on the website, you will find it can also be used for fence posts.

Thanks again for all your input...

I have used Hoegger herbal wormer for many years for my sheep, and my cow when I had her. The two lambs I got last summer received the full initiation (morning and night for three days) of the wormer, and then you give it once a week. The three new ewes were wormed conventionally at their former home until I got them in December.  I haven't initiated them yet on the herbal wormer for a couple reasons - they were spooked at first and it took a while for them to eat out of my hand, and also, I'm getting low on the wormer.  I will do it now (and get more wormer).  Thanks for your reminder that I need to get them in the swing of how things work around here.

I took a couple photos and my phone turned off (low battery), but I'll attach what I got.  I discovered that the hair loss is definitely around her mouth too, which may be the reason I have noticed her cud more than I have on the others. I thought she drooled more, but maybe her cud sticks to her skin whereas it may just drip off the others' hair/wool.

I wasn't sure I'd get a response from the lady I got the three recent additions from since one e-mail I sent her went unanswered, but since she did answer and suggested mites, I'm wondering if it's something she has had trouble with and maybe she knows/knew it when I took them.

I will also try to follow up on the other diagnostic suggestions.

Thank you...

I think this is my first time posting something on a forum (I think I'd remember if I'd done it before...), and all I have is a little phone. I'm not sure why the two recent posts didn't come up for me until after the reply I just posted.

I did e-mail the lady I got the sheep from just a few months ago, and she also suggested mites.  It is definitely around the eyes and ears. I am going to grab her again this morning and get some better photos. I will also check her mouth. I didn't notice anything there, but I see what you mean about how it looks in the photos. She does tend to drool her cud more than the others, so it might be that. I'll soon find out...

Thank you...  

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience.  In reading it all a few days ago, it triggered a memory (because of how you worded it about maybe I knew holistic alternatives to what would be used conventionally) of a place that I could call to find out a holistic option. They were very helpful, and I will keep their number at the top of my list for consulting in the future.

Again, thank you. I am still working on diagnosis, but have some leads to follow. This is all outside my comfort zone. I've had sheep several times before, but never had any issues that required a vet or medical intervention, so I'm in unfamiliar territory.  I've always had churros before, and these are Jacobs lambs born last spring.

A few hours ago, I noticed one of my five sheep is losing wool around her eyes. There are also some patches further back toward her ears.  I washed her eyes with warm water to try to better identify what is going on.  The skin is very flaky (chunks came off as I wiped), but also oily/moist, and seems to be somewhat tender (although I'd be skittish with someone holding me and wiping my eyes too...)  None of the others shows any signs of the trouble.  

I have spent the better part of this afternoon making calls, looking in books, searching online, sending e-mails, etc., to try to get to the bottom of the trouble.  If anyone has experienced this and can diagnose it for me, I would appreciate the input.  An added bonus would be a non-pharmaceutical way to treat it. I have diatomaceous earth if it might be lice, mites, etc., although I'm hesitant to use it so close to her eyes.  I have GOOT if it requires an antibiotic solution.  

I am concerned about the others catching it, but separating her from the others would be difficult, and traumatic for her.  If it's necessary, I'll figure a way, but I expect I won't get much sleep - that's what happened in the past with a lonely ewe-lamb.

Thanks for any help people might be able to offer...