tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665055029123354668.post4208307992411427087..comments2009-03-18T17:18:01.006-07:00Lotarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01796218033485037424oo7nrw@aol.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665055029123354668.post-76756290348147157592009-03-18T17:18:00.000-07:002009-03-18T17:18:00.000-07:00We had two layers of protection - a 6.5' fence and a 5' fence. Now I'm adding night penning, and will give our dog free reign over the property at night. Hopefully that will force them back to rabbits, cats, and the occassional unlucky dog or goat.<BR/><BR/>One of my neighbors has lost goats to dogs and coyotes. The other hasn't had much trouble - probably because boer goats are so massive. Friends of ours down the road night-pen all their animals, and have two donkeys roaming free at night.<BR/><BR/>We have friends who get their sheep sheared for about the same. I agree it's not outrageous, but as I currently have no use for the wool, it seemed a little unnecessary. Plus hair sheep are supposed to taste better, though I have yet to try it myself.Lotarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01796218033485037424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665055029123354668.post-34771306458133670272009-03-13T12:16:00.000-07:002009-03-13T12:16:00.000-07:00Ugh - a lot of lessons in one week! We have a pack of local coyotes in the area, although they are more prone to be higher up the hill. Nevertheless, I practice night-penning and, on most fronts, there is a triple barrier to entrance to the barn - i.e., fence into pasture, thence fence into barnyard, thence walls/gates into barn. It would take a determined predator to negotiate all the obstacles (although you never know).<BR/><BR/>On one side (the house side), there is more like a double barrier.<BR/><BR/>My neighbor leaves his sheep and goats out night and day . . . haven't heard of any losses yet but they also have a llama that sticks with the sheep. Since they border us on two sides, we might get some benefit from proximity to the llama, but not sure. The next neighbor down the hill has a donkey that sends up an alarm now and then.<BR/><BR/>I have shearing coming up - was surprised as how inexpensive it was ($5 per head plus a $35 trip charge).<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/><BR/>-Eric John<BR/><BR/>I am sorry to hear about your sheep!Hilariushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05702731902033210478noreply@blogger.com