Hubby and I went out to feed cows and sheep this morning. They were glad to see us. It really wasn't that cold -- maybe 25* -- but they always love to hear our horn honk and see the cake feeder driving up to them.
Yesterday our neighbor sheep shearer came over and we eyed the sheep. That means he sheared the wool off the sheep's faces so they can see in winter conditions. Some sheep have lots of wool on their faces despite our efforts to select "open faced" ewes when we choose our replacements. When they have so much wool on their faces, we call them "wool blind" and it can be a bad thing since sheep flock and follow one another. You know the phrase: the blind leading the blind? That's what can happen when the majority of the sheep are wool blind and get a layer of snow and ice caked over their eyes. They can drift in with the snow and not know where they are or where they're going. But as you can see, our sheep are not wool blind but have nicely sheared, open faces -- and in just the nick of time! The snow came the following day! I'm happy for the sheep being able to see and to lick snow today.
What is your November weather looking like? We built a fire in the wood-burning stove today. Nice 'n' cozy!
We had a snowy day, too!
ReplyDeleteWool blind. A new sheep term for me.
Keep cozy, Jody-friend!
I'm having a snow day today! Just got your storm last night here in Minnesota. It's fun to learn new things about sheep via your blog! The woodstove fire sounds wonderful. Stay warm! :)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing these pics of the cattle and sheep in the snow. How interesting about how sheep can be wool blind! Weather in my spot of the planet: cooler, meaning not in the 80s or 90s! Today high in 70s, low in high 40s, with Santa Ana winds (warm winds) blowing.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing these pics of the cattle and sheep in the snow. How interesting about how sheep can be wool blind! Weather in my spot of the planet: cooler, meaning not in the 80s or 90s! Today high in 70s, low in high 40s, with Santa Ana winds (warm winds) blowing.
ReplyDeleteWell these great photos tell the story well. Glad it wasn't too cold. We actually were in the upper 20's early this morning. Today is the first day we've had frost. Never heard of eyeing sheep. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteYou learn something new everyday. We got about three inches ere. I am happy that we are easing into winter.
ReplyDeletesleeting right now, expecting 1 to 3 inches of snow tonight...high winds mean a great chill. loved seeing the sheep, glad you were able to trim.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of "eyeing" before. I have seen sheep sheared a few times and it is mesmerizing - the shearers seem to work magic on the sheep.
ReplyDeleteNeed to be careful during snow fall:)
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting fact about why it's essential to have sheep with open faces - no wool around the eyes. It's good that the snow provides moisture so that the grass is more palatable. Your wood burning stove must be very welcome. Here in Yorkshire the weather has been windy, wet with dangerous conditions on the east coast. We saw the snow on the moors on our way back from the airport, but haven't driven out that way again these last few days.
ReplyDeleteSHEEPIES!!! And SNOW! It's heaven over there Jody LOL. And the things you learn on this blog! Your little sheepies look so cute with their freshly shaven faces!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! And such stunning photos. Our weather is as bad as can be, dry, very windy and no rain in sight. Big sigh. Keep warm, Jody!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo